For eight minutes the choral sounds of 200 instruments can be heard across the school. During the school football game’s half-time, the marching band takes to the field to produce these grand orchestral sounds.
Band works day in and day out to produce a performance with the outstanding level of quality that they have become known for. Starting as early as January the performance begins its planning stages. Too many hours to count get put into this immaculate detailed show.
The students in the marching band first start rehearsing at the beginning of the summer for two days. They later come back for a two week camp close to the beginning of the school year. This is when they learn the majority of the show and their various positions and blocking. Once school starts the students continue to have rehearsals twice a week to keep the performance fresh.
They perform at every home football game. But also have esteemed opportunities to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival, London’s New Years Parade and the state held Music Performance Assessment (MPA). At MPA the marching band has received Superior ratings (one of the highest honors) every year since the school has opened.
These accomplishments do not only fall on the shoulders of the band teachers but also on the 50 students holding leadership positions. Band is very reliant on its leadership for it is a student led organization. They carry and pass down the West Orange Band legacy to new students.
Band students are not only accomplished in their musical activities but also in a variety of other areas across the school.
“My favorite part about band is we have students from all different activities involved,” Mr. Boyd said. “We have students who play on the football team, and practically every other sport. Our students are involved in every club and organization from NHS to corn hole club. We believe music is for everyone and it is incredible to be in a place where administration, faculty, coaches and club sponsors do everything they can to allow our students to experience music at West Orange and still be successful in their club/team/class.”
The band is an incredibly talented group of students who are insanely dedicated to their craft. Take a moment and appreciate all their time, effort and talent.
