Tubas, trumpets, flutes and drums filled up the Carrier Dome with music. After months of preparation, 52 high school marching bands showcased their best work. And as our Cara Thomas shows us, not even Hurricane Sandy could stand in their way.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Music to the ears of thousands as high school bands sounded off at the 39th annual New York State Field Band Championship. Some traveled all the way from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Long Island for an opportunity to play at the dome.

Gina Casali, the Drum Major from Roslyn High School, said, "I look forward to to this trip every year even the long bus ride, it's not that bad we've driven to Florida before. So it's definitely worth it."

And Sandy, the storm moving up the East coast, wasn't about to hold them back. Students say after months of preparations this competition was too important to miss.

Tambria Schroeder and Thomas Whitney from Norwich High School say, "To us it's tradition and we like to uphold that. So it's a lot of fun for the new kids to see it as well as the seniors to come back for six years in you're in it that long so it's great."

But this year, some schools have to cut their trip short. In order to avoid getting stuck in the storm, they're having to leave right after they compete.

David Greenberg, a parent from Roslyn High School, said, "The trip is being cut short for the safety of the children. We want to get them home before we lose all our electricity."

"It kind of sucks for us seniors just because we wanted to stay the extra day and see the national class bands. Now we don't get to see them," said Casali.

Not only are bands having to leave the championship early, organizers say these cold and damp conditions also affect the instruments.

Craig Elwood, an organizer of the New York State Field Band Conference, said, "They're hustling and bustling trying to keep the instruments covered, then they come in and get them up to temperature so they can play in tune because that's the big name of the game."

Even the gloomy weather couldn't quiet the spirit of the bands. Organizers calling it one of the best years yet.

For all ranks and scores go to www.nysfbc.org.