On September 17, the Force was with the Branford High School (BHS) Band, as members feathered in with the Uconn Marching Band -- and nearly 1,000 high school musicians -- for an epic Star Wars halftime show at Rentschler Field.

It was a day packed with highlights, but one of the best was when BHS Band instrumentalists fanned into their respective letters (based on instrument) as the massive marching band spelled out "Star Wars" to a tune from the epic screen saga.

"Coming together with so many other amazing bands is an experience that will stay with me for my entire life," said BHS freshman saxophone player Maya Kyriakides.

Organized by the University of Connecticut Marching Band (UCMB), UConn Band Day invited high school bands to experience performing in front of a Division 1 college audience. It was the first time BHS joined in the program, under the director of BHS Band Director Mallory Legman. Legman joined the school in 2015.

The BHS band spent a day rehearsing with UCMB and performed at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in Hartford on Saturday, Sept. 17, during halftime of the UConn vs. Virginia football game.

"It was a special opportunity for our music program," Legman said. "The UConn Marching Band and all the high school bands in attendance combined to spell Star Wars and perform Star Wars music. UConn Band Day was an excellent experience for the BHS Band."

"The opportunity to play with a collegiate marching band was such an educational and unbelievable experience," said BHS freshman percussionist Joshua Josephy-Zack. "I very much hope that this can become a tradition for Branford High School."

In addition to performing on the field, BHS band members took in the game and were "cheering in the stands," said Mallory. In the last seconds, UConn clinched a 13-10 victory over Virginia.

"Honestly, UConn Band Day was probably one of the best Saturdays I've ever had," said BHS clarinet player Taron Jaruchaiyakul, a junior.