Northport’s marching band is arguably its most well-known performing group, and has become a staple of the school since the band was founded over 60 years ago. Over the years, the band has received multiple honors – the band performed at the 1964 World’s Fair, has closed out the Newsday Marching Band Festival as far back as anyone can remember and has performed at numerous Jets games.

But with these unique opportunities comes a lot of work. Each year, we begin working at the end of July when we gather for 2 weeks to learn the music and teach incoming freshmen our unique style of marching. The band’s drumline, which I’m glad to be a part of, has even more work to do, as not only do we have to learn the music, we also have to learn our cadences that are performed during parades.

Following pre-clinic, it’s time for band camp… and even more work. Band camp is held for a week in mid-August at Farmingdale State College, and usually in very hot weather too. At band camp, each member perfects their marching, and also learns the drills or each member’s ever-changing position on the field. The drills have become more complex each year since our current director took charge 5 years ago, and they are always amazing to look at from above! The band also learns their signature band dance, which is new and different each year. On the last day of clinic, parents are treated to a performance of the field show in its still-rough form.

Once school starts, it’s back to work for the band! 9th period each day, in addition to weekly lessons for each group of instruments, is spent improving both the field show and the music. The band performs at football games and parades, but it is the performance at the Newsday Marching Band Festival that we look forward to the most. Every year, the band has the honor of closing out this huge, three-evening event. The marching band is a great group to perform with, and just as exciting to watch!