1997 - Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"

A turning point for the Portsmouth East Marching Band, 1997 was also one of the band's most successful competitive seasons. The band gained a new band director, Eric W. Hambrick, who received the directorship after the departure of Scott A. Jones. The band also took on a new musical direction; the loud brassy jazz sound for which the band had been known was replaced by the melodic, and powerful nature of classical music.

The band toured the competition circuit, performing an arrangement of Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, Opus 95, "From the New World". The performances were very well received, and accounted for 3 Grand Champion awards throughout the year. The band also reclaimed its title as an OMEA Superior Band, receiving the coveted Superior Rating at OMEA State Finals.

• Show Information - In depth info on the 1997 "New World Symphony" show.

• 1997 Awards - See the extent of the band's competitive success in 1997.

• 1997 Pictures - See pictures from the 1997 band.