Marching Band's New Season Begins

After its winter hiatus, music staff and students are gearing up for the start of their award-winning marching band.

When the band last left off, students had been performing their 2024 show, Hexed, which quickly became an award-winning performance in NHS music history. Now that the summer season is rapidly approaching, it is the right time to bring back the band. 

It is worth noting that the band will significantly shrink after this year’s seniors graduate and move on to college. A total of 14 people will be leaving, and these spots will need to be filled, so Supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts/Career & Technical Education Vincent Vicchiariello hopes to introduce many newcomers in the upcoming season. Additionally, an interest meeting regarding the band will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 pm to aid in recruiting both new and returning members. Marching band is open to interested students in grades 7-11. 

The marching band is an outdoor mixed ensemble. The majority of the band usually plays field instruments. These instruments are brass, woodwind, and percussion. Students who don’t play an instrument are also needed, as the band also consists of visual elements. For example, students who would rather dance and perform can consider joining the color guard which consists of flag, weapons, swing flag, and dance. 

For those who play an instrument but would prefer not to march, there’s always a spot in the front ensemble, a.k.a the pit! This section focuses on mallet percussion, auxiliary percussion, and sometimes even electric bass. 

Experience is not necessary to be eligible to join as new participants will be taught as they go.

Not only does the band raise spirits during football games and perform at parades, but they also compete at competitions over the weekends. These competitions call for extensive practice days, often four hours each practice session. Although this seems strenuous, practices are sprinkled throughout the week rather than every day.  

Despite the adrenaline and competitive nature of competitions, the staff and instructors urge students to find the joy that comes with practice. At the end of the day, marching band is built on teamwork and friendship.