Months of tireless rehearsing paid off in a big way for the West Genesee Marching Band this Sunday when the Wildcats took first place at the New York State Field Band Championship at the Carrier Dome.

West Genesee competed in the national division, earning a score of 96.65 for its performance of “Strive for the Highest!” The 140-member marching band was directed by Michael Stachnik and lead by drum majors Maggie McInerny and Shawn Davern.

Jordan-Elbridge, comprised of 45 student musicians, also competed Sunday, placing sixth in the small school division.