Rocky Point High School Marching Band Performs at Annual Newsday Marching Band Festival

The Rocky Point High School Marching Band, led by Marching Band Director Amy Schecher, and Assistant Marching Band Director Vincent Ragona, performed in the 2026 Newsday Marching Band Festival at Mitchel Field in Uniondale on October 21, 2026. The Marching Band students performed an entertaining production titled, “Rockin’ with the Point.” This year marked the 62nd anniversary of this annual event.
 
In 1963, the Newsday Marching Band Festival began with a one-day performance featuring 13 bands. This annual event has now expanded to cover three evenings of music, and includes bands from across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
 
Rocky Point senior Jeremy Moriarty was named this year’s recipient of the Gina Pellettiere Award of Recognition. Gina Pellettiere, a music educator from Farmingdale High School, was a predominant figure at this festival for many years, leading her musicians with enduring passion while also serving on the Newsday Marching Band Festival Advisory Committee. Ms. Pellettiere symbolized a commitment to students and music. Her legacy of mentorship and musical excellence will forever be recognized with this special award. Congratulations Jeremy!
 
A congratulatory message from Rocky Point Music Department chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read: “The students performed magnificently in their Marching Band production. We are very proud of the Rocky Point Marching Band students for doing such a fantastic job! Thank you to the families of these accomplished students for supporting and attending this special event, and for the continual encouragement they provide for their children’s participation in the performing arts. We are extremely appreciative that the Rocky Point School District Administration and Board of Education supports these experiences for the students and the music department.”