In 1972 an organization was formed where high school bands could perform and compete against each other. The National Judges Association founded the Tournament of Bands (TOB) in this year. There are numerous events hosted by the TOB each fall in which bands from over a span of 9 states compete against each other. This non-profit organization is not only available to high school bands; it is also available to any middle/junior high, college, or university. The TOB is now one of the largest competitive band organizations in the country. The Marching Black Knights have not only competed against this multitude of bands, but have been very successful in their trials. The TOB is divided into thirteen chapters, which are groups of bands divided by their geographical area, mostly by county, but sometimes by interstates and landmarks, etc. Twenty years ago, in 1981, Lake Lehman joined the TOB in Chapter Seven under the direction of Mr. John Miliauskas. With a lot of hard work and determination, Lake Lehman won their first Atlantic Coast Championship in 1984, only three years after first entering the TOB circuit. Before Mr. Miliauskas retired in 1989, Lake Lehman won three more titles, bringing their total number of victories to four. The years they did not win, they placed within the top five bands in their competitive group. When Mr. Miliauskas retired, the search for a new band director was started. Mr. Edward Richards was hired in 1989 as Lake Lehman's new director. While one may think that Lake Lehman would drop in the standings this year, they proved everybody wrong and grabbed a first place finish. Mr. Richards took on the responsibilities, and he delivered. He has worked up from a hesitant leader to a strong, forceful, determined leader that has shaped the Lake Lehman band into a powerhouse. Under his direction, they have won a total of five Atlantic Coast Championships, bringing their overall total to nine championships. In more recent years, the wrath of the powerful Lake Lehman band has not been as strong. Their last first place finish was in 1996, and while they have had top five finishes in the past five years, they have not yet been able to come back and reclaim their title. This past year's performance was called Pirates. The best description of this show was written by Mr. Richards, and can be found on the band's website. "The Lake-Lehman Knights are proud to present their 2001 Field Show entitled "Pirates". This year's production includes the music of two outstanding composers for concert band; Robert W. Smith and Frank Tichelli (pronounced tik kelly). We begin at sea under full sail with the wind at our backs. While at sea we encounter an unusual storm, which seems to have been conjured up by Poseidon, himself. As the storm continues to get worse, our sailors long for a safe harbor and dream of a port in the orient that they visited on a previous voyage. They finally break free of the storms' grasp and head for a nearby harbor for some much needed rest. Their visit is cut short, however, as news from the ships' lookout is relayed that a warship has been sighted on the horizon. A fierce battle ensues but as fate would have it, our pirates succeed in escaping capture once again. We leave our crew as they head back out to sea in search of more treasure and adventure." This was an extraordinary show, but it only earned Lake Lehman one first place finish at the weekly competitions, and a fifth place finish at the Atlantic Coast Championship. For a band to be successful, there must be a good interaction between the band members and the director. "The manner in which the band director attempts to meet the needs of each individual in the band will have a marked influence upon the morale of the group as a whole". The director should learn the student's names quickly to give them a sense of belonging and importance to the band. The director should also meet with students on a weekly basis, either individually or in small groups, for instrumental lessons. When students make noticeable progress or accomplish special things, they should be rewarded in one of two ways: either recognized verbally during practice/rehearsal, or singling them out after practice and presenting them with a certificate of merit. This will encourage the students to strive for more, therefore furthering the progress of the entire band as well. Although band is a wonderful activity, there should be some non-musical activities as well, such as fund-raisers, banquets, and trips. "These non-musical aspects of band-organization can provide both the director and the student with new insights and understandings of each other's talents, aims, and relationships". Lake Lehman has been such a successful band in the past because the band directors have done all of the aforementioned measures. Now, the success of the band will be in the hands of its members. Mr. Richards, the band director for the past 12 years, has stepped down from his position as band director, and the torch will be passed along to a new director who is yet to be determined. The climb back to the top of the high school marching competitive scene will be tough, but with the determination of the students and their new director, anything will be possible.