HIT: To the Auburn High School and Jordan-Elbridge High School field bands, which wrapped up an amazing season of competition with the annual state championships at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

These young musicians put tremendous time and energy into this activity, and it shows when they're on the field performing. Special thanks should also go out to the talented teachers and dedicated volunteers who do so much behind the scenes to help these bands do their best.

The New York State Field Band Conference and its fall competitions show us all that's great about today's youth.

MISS: To the tragic automobile accident that took a young life over the weekend in Springport.

A two-car crash Saturday afternoon killed Stephen R. Landers, 20, of Union Springs. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

MISS: To elected politicians and their publicity stunts around election time.

We see it every year from incumbents seeking re-election. Well-timed announcements and events within a few weeks of an election aimed squarely at making themselves look good, even if they could have made the announcement weeks earlier or later.

We've seen them from a bunch of candidates this year in both major parties, and we'll continue to see them in the future, unfortunately. We just urge the public to keep it all in perspective.

HIT: To Auburn natives John and Richard Contiguglia, for a stellar performance Sunday to kick off a new season of the Adams Foundation Piano Series.

The twins have been instrumental in bringing world-class music to this city every year through the series, and it was a special treat for piano music lovers to see the Contiguglias themselves this year.

The smiles on the faces of audience members as they were leaving Westminster Presbyterian Church told the story of how impressive Sunday's performance turned out to be.