The Brentwood High School Green Machine Marching Band delivered a powerful performance on Sunday afternoon with its 2025 show, “Toil and Transcendence.” The award-winning band hosted its annual home show, welcoming marching bands from across Long Island to perform for the Brentwood community. 

This year’s event also included a special tribute to Director Joseph Sitler, who has dedicated 39 years to the Green Machine — first as a student in 1986, then as an educator, and for the past 18 years as director. 

Under Sitler’s leadership, the Green Machine has achieved undefeated seasons on Long Island, advanced to National Class status, and became the first band to perform in the Band to America Marching Band Circuit. Many of his former students are now music educators and directors themselves, extending Brentwood’s influence far beyond the community. 

Thanks to Sitler’s devotion, the commitment of the music department, and the remarkable talent of Brentwood’s students, the Green Machine has been invited to represent New York State at the National Memorial Parade in Washington, D.C., this May. The performance will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — and with Sitler’s birthday. 

Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera praised Sitler’s lifelong dedication during the celebration: “On behalf of the Board of Education, our students and the entire Brentwood community, we thank you, Mr. Sitler, for your extraordinary service, your devotion to the marching band and your lifelong commitment to the children of Brentwood.”