Band Director: Mr. John Acosta

Lionette Director: Ms. Sheryl McDougal

Drum Majors:

FBA Overall Rating: Superior

Musical Selections:

Show Background:

The story is a romantic triangle set amid an international chess match between an American and a Russian. The American (neither player had a name on the concept album) and his second, Florence, arrive in Merano to defend his world championship title against The Russian. Florence and The American are "the greatest team ever" but the relationship is falling apart. She hates his egotism and his catering to the press. When the underhanded tactics of both players brings the first game to a halt, The American storms out. Florence acts as mediator but The Russian is late for the mini-summit she arranges and The American leaves. When The Russian does arrive, the romantic setting and Florence's anger at The American drives her into The Russian's arms. The American finds them, they fight and Florence leaves him. The Russian wins the match and defects. One year later, The Russian and Florence, now lovers, are in Bangkok to defend his title against a new Soviet challenger. The American is now a TV commentator. The Russian can't stand the media pressure and when the Soviets bring his wife to Bangkok, he tells Florence they must separate. The American is determined to win Florence back and confronts The Russian on TV. Later, he tells him he's got horrible news of Florence's father that the Soviets will tell her unless The Russian loses. But he does not give in, and wins, though the victory is hollow. His relationships with his wife and Florence have foundered.