The Pride of Newark Marching Band

The marching band at Newark High School can be traced back to the 1940’s. The band was given the name “The Pride of Newark” in 1981 by their director, Mr. Randall Lamb, while performing at the College Football Hall of Fame Contest. It was the first time the NHS band had ever done a prelims/finals contest and made the finals. The band adopted that name and it is now recognized throughout the state and in many parts of the nation.

The marching band begins rehearsals in early July. A month of rehearsals are held at NHS, including several days of band camp. Once school begins the marching band practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evening for a total of about 7 hours of after school rehearsal time per week.

The Pride of Newark’s performance schedule usually includes about 20 performances per season. The band performs annually at NHS footballs games and a variety of other local events. The other major aspect of our marching season is participating in various competitions and festivals sanctioned by OMEA (the Ohio Music Education Association). The band competes in class AA.

We are very proud that the Pride of Newark is the ONLY Class AA band to reach OMEA State Marching Band Finals every year since its creation in 1980.  The band is also one of only two schools (regardless of class) to reach State Finals every season since 1980 (43 years). The Pride has earned a superior rating at State Marching Band finals 33 times.

OMEA State Marching Band Finals Records

1980 - II
1981 - II
1982 - II
1983 - I
1984 - I
1985 - I
1986 - I
1987 - I
1988 - I
1989 - I
1990 - I
1991 - I
1992 - I
1993 - I
1994 - I
1995 - I
1996 - I
1997 - I
1998 - I
1999 - I
2000 - I
2001 - II
2002 - I
2003 - I 
2004 - I
2005 - I
2006 - I
2007 - I
2008 - I
2009 - I
2010 - I
2011 - II
2O12 - II
2013 - II
2014 - II
2015 - I 
2016 - I
2017 - I
2018 - I
2019 - II
2020 - PANDEMIC SEASON - NO CONTESTS
2021 - I
2022 - I
2023 - I