Since 2015, a small group of North Branford High School (NBHS) musicians have competed as part of the East Haven High School (EHHS)/NBHS Co-Op Marching Band. On Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, the NBHS student musicans helped the EHHS/NBHS Co-Op Marching Band take first place in the Fitch High School 5th Annual U.S. Bands Marching Band Competition.

NBHS Principal Todd Stoeffler shared the news of the top prize taken by the EHHS/NBHS co-op band at Fitch High School "Sounds by the Sea" competition. He noted the EHHS/NBHS co-op also received all captions, including  Best Music, Best Overall Effect and Best Visual.

This year's EHHS/NBHS Co-Op Marching Band's competitive show, "The Birds and The Bees" is a play on music fitting the two mascots of the schools: the NBHS Thunderbirds and the EHHS Yellow Jackets.  Show pieces include "Where the Black Hawk Soars," "Flight of the Bumblebee," "Feed the Birds" and Stravinsky's "Firebird" (finale), according to Stoeffler.

The EHHS/NBHS Co-Op Marching Band will compete again on Saturday, October 1, at Sheehan High School.  

NBHS Band Director Katie Trainer is the EHHS/NBHS Co-Op's Woodwinds Instructor. The co-op band leadership also includes Band Director Matt Laudano, Field Percussion Instructor Steve St. Mary, Pit Instructors Matt Torcellini and Sean Griffin, Color Guard Director Mary-Ann Bucci, and Drilll Writer/Marching & Brass Instructor Tyler Miller.