While most students were on vacation from school, the marching band rehearsals continued for most of the summer, concluding with the annual band camp at Camp Fairview in Newton. When band members arrive home on Thursday, August 31, they will give their first public performance of their new show under the leadership of band director Scott Collins.
The High School South Pirate Marching Band’s field show for the next school year is entitled “Nightmares” and will be presented in three parts: the Chase, Something Forgotten, and Falling.
Mark Fisher, the band’s visual director, wrote the band drill and is choreographing the color guard routine. “Nightmares will be a show that touches on the mysterious and sometimes unsettling aspect of scary dreams,” says Fisher.
Mike Davis of Plainsboro wrote the arrangement for the band. Using music from three different composers, he worked with Fisher to create evocative and exciting musical moments to express the stories of each of the three sections.
Fisher and Davis collaborated last year to write the award winning show, “Ghost Train.” The band completed the season with victories at the USSBA (United States Scholastic Band Association) Regional, State, and All-States Championships. In addition to competitions, the band performs for home and away varsity football games.
Drum majors are Mike Bond, for the third year, and Greg Steiner, for the second year. Section leaders include Lynn Chen, piccolo; Jen Principe, clarinet; Joe Grossmann, saxophone; Suren Jayasuriya, trumpet; Josh Suslak, low brass; and Katie Bazergui, percussion. Katrina Lee and Brittany Gerstenhaber are color guard captains for the third consecutive year.
Band officers are Mike Perl, president; Lynn Chen, vice president; Krista Merrill, secretary; Caitlyn Wisser, treasurer; Jenn Yu and Amy Wang, historians; Jen Principe, quartermaster; and Katie Bazergui and Madeline Weiss, librarians.
“We have a great deal of enthusiasm for this upcoming season,” says Collins. “The excitement of last year has really increased our motivation. The hard work paid huge dividends for us last year, and we have earned a sense of pride, accomplishment, and confidence. We will carry those attributes into our work this season.”
Premiere Performance, High School South Pirate Marching Band, High School South Football Field, 609-716-5050, ext. 7336. First public performance of the school year. Free. Thursday, August 31, 6:30 p.m.
