Because Clarke is smaller than East Meadow High, the band welcomes ninth-graders as well, which Scully said has paid dividends in its growth. The band’s seniors, he said, having marched in the parade all four years, could share their experiences with its youngest members. “The ninth-graders have improved so quickly,” he said, “Because they get to see the 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders.”

Moving forward, Scully said, “We’re definitely using this as a jumping-off point … to explain the value of hard work.”

Clarke will also perform in Disney World in March, a month after East Meadow.

Behr said that the success of the two bands is a result of the district administration’s and Board of Education’s commitment to music education, and she also praised the work of her staff. “We have the best music staff anywhere,” she said. “Our students are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such dedicated music educators and wonderful people.”