Thunderbolt Band Invitational Home Show returns Oct. 15

Known throughout the local music community as the "Home Show,” the annual Cranston High School East marching band competition will be taking center stage at Cranston Stadium on Oct. 15.

For more than 40 years, the Thunderbolt Band Invitational has been run on the time, energy, determination, and dedication of “band parents.” This year’s co-chairs are Laurie Bussman and Shelley Fusco.

Bussman has been involved with band since her oldest son, Josh, was a sophomore at East. He graduated in 2012, and now her daughter Jenna, who is in eighth grade, performs in the Emerald Encore Color Guard, so she will be involved for the next five years.

“It takes everyone willing to help - new parents, alumni parents, anyone that is willing to volunteer,” Bussman said, speaking from her nine years of experience.

Fusco, who is new to the chairing part, also has many years with the band under her belt. Her daughter, Kailey, is a senior and part of the Color Guard, and her freshman son Domenic III is following in his sister’s footsteps.

“I love being involved and I love working with Laurie, so it was easy to say yes. Unfortunately there aren’t all that many parents that want to do more than just donate an item. It’s hard to find people to commit to much anymore,” Fusco said.

East will be performing “Aqua” by Gary P. Gilroy in three movements - “Movement I: Vapor,” “Movement II: Liquid,” and “Movement III: Solid.”

The student performers are under the direction of drum majors Adrian Cartagena Capo and Bianca Duran.

This is the first show being directed by East music teacher Greg Arsenault.

“Greg is the director this year. Mark [Colozzi] will always be missed, but Greg and Mark have worked together for so long he will do just fine. He has his own style to add to it, too,” Fusco said.

The high schools that will be competing come from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Because East is the host school, it will be performing but not competing. The Boston University Marching Band will be presenting an exhibition performance.

Right now there is long list of donated items that are needed, including water bottles, individually wrapped baked goods, cans of soda, individual bags of chips, nacho chips, and cheese. Donations can be dropped off at the Stadium Tuesday or Thursday evenings, or anytime on show day.

The show goes on regardless of rain, and beings at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children under five years of age are admitted free of charge.

Those seeking to volunteer, donate, or get more information may contact Laurie Bussman at lauriebb1274@aol.com. Information can be found on the Cranston East Alumni Band Association Facebook page.