On May 22nd, 2026, Floral Park Memorial’s senior high band, orchestra and chamber orchestra attended the 2026 Music in the Parks Festival in Jackson, New Jersey, where they competed against multiple other schools before arriving at Six Flags for the awards ceremony. Between 20 to 40 high schools attended and competed in the festival. Our school won first in nearly every category we played in, receiving a total of five trophies. The band won two, 1st place trophies: Best Overall High School Concert Band and High School Concert Band Class AA, granting us a rating of Superior. On the other hand, our orchestra and chamber orchestra won three trophies: Best Overall Highschool Orchestra and 1st and 2nd place forString Orchestra Class AA.  Again, granting the title of Superior.

       The band’s performance included the pieces Prairie Dances by David R. Holsinger and Novo Lenio by Samuel R. Hazo. The orchestra’s pieces were Mars by Gustav Holst, Serenade for Strings by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Themes From Symphony NO. 3 by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

       After competing, the bands, orchestras and choirs spent the day at Six Flags Great Adventure. The awards ceremony took place at 5 in the Movietown Arena in the amusement park where they received the trophies.

    Ultimately, the trip to Jackson, New Jersey was about more than just a fun day at Six Flags; it was a showcase of Floral Park Memorial students  musical excellence.