PASSAIC - Sometimes, even when you think you lose, you win..

During the Nov. 12 All States Championship in Allentown, Pa., the 130 members of Passaic High School's Marching Band came off the field after what they were certain was a first-place performance - only to receive a third-place finish.

The tight-knit group that worked tirelessly as a team all year stood in shock, band members recalled last week, surrounded by trophies in the high school music room.

As Band Director Christopher Rusca worked with tournament officials to clear up what appeared to be a mathematical ranking blunder, band members comforted each other.

After what felt like hours, but really only minutes, the students finally received confirmation of what they already knew.

"The Group 5A Champion is Passaic High School," according to the U.S. Scholastic Band Association Web site. "The numbers leave us no alternative but to say such."

In the updated results, Passaic edged out North Buncombe High School, a band from Weaverville, N.C., by less than one point, 93.35 to 92.375 - a tight outcome even for a competition where a slight misstep during the nine-minute routine could mean no medal instead of gold.

Tournament officials' math miscalculations were the only losing scores Passaic High School received this year. The band went undefeated in its class, including winning the state championship in its Group 5A class.

The Passaic High School band program is now a force around the state, with its members giving up much of their time to train throughout the summer, during weekends and late into school nights. The demands are intense and the commitment unwavering.

"Our lives would be so plain," Diana Gallo, a senior clarinet player, said in the school's basement music room. "I can't imagine doing anything else."

The continuous drive for perfect cadence and tight formations can be seen off the field as well. Although eager to talk about their experience and championships last week, the 12 bandleaders took turns answering questions, rarely stepping on each other's responses.

The students must always be in-step on the field, often producing strong bonds off the drum lines.

"Sometimes when you're on the field and you're getting tired, there's always someone there by you saying, 'you can do it, go on,'" said Bianca Diaz, a senior and baritone horn leader.

With such a successful season, the Passaic High School band program - which was largely dormant for years - has put other schools on notice.

"A whole bunch of schools know about us now," said Stephanie Rivera, a drum major. "Before they weren't worried about us and now they're saying, 'we got to watch our back."