BY JAMIE HAZEL
The Knights Marching Band finished a successful fall season with top five finishes in all of their competitions, including a second-place award in Nationals, with their nature-themed show.
This season’s theme, “Nature’s Fury,” illustrates natural phenomena through the color guard’s flags and emotions during representations of specific catastrophes. “We do visuals corresponding with the music, whether it be acting scared during the earthquake segment or falling on the ground at the end of the show, representing the tragedy that just unfolded,” shared senior Drum Major Natalie Garcia.
Garcia stepped in as the main conductor for the first time at the US Bands National Championship on November 4. The Knights placed second and also won Best Music, Best Overall Affect, and Best Percussion. “I felt confident conducting the show music as I had learned it earlier in the season. I also feel that the other members helped me as well since they were all super supportive and confident in my ability to lead the show,” stated Garcia. “I believe that this was the best performance of our entire season.”
A week earlier, on October 28, the Marching Knights placed second at the US Bands State Championship at Lombardi Field. “”We brought in a lot of schools!” senior soloist Patrick Chuah exclaimed. “The competition ran from like 10 in the morning to 10 at night!”
The following day, The Knights placed fifth in the NJMBDA State Championships at The College of New Jersey. “We all pushed through the bad weather and performed our hearts out,” explained Braedon Appleton, a member of the drumline. “We didn’t do as well as Saturday, but all that matters is that we all tried the best we could.”
Back in September the team first performed at the San Gennaro parade in Little Italy in New York City. “I’ve never been to a parade as big as San Gennaro’s. Getting to participate in such a big event, and getting to try delicious food from the vendors really made this parade a highlight for this marching band season,” explained Chuah.
The Knights started the competitive season victorious on October 7 when the group traveled to Piscataway and took the gold. “We won first place, beating the other ensemble by around 15 points, while also winning Best Effect, Best Music, and Best Visual,” explained Appleton.
The win in Piscataway set the tone for the whole season as they continued placing high and develop within the program. “This season’s growth was primarily led by the staff pushing us with more difficult material while we all worked even harder to execute the harder material on the field,” stated Manvir Singh.
On October 21, the band won first place in the Home Show US Bands competition, where the judging differs from competitions hosted by NJMBDA. The competitions are broader and include out-of-state bands. The Marching Knights pulled through and took home first.
The performance featured a solo by Chuah. “I am very honored to have a solo. To me, a solo is a super important job that can only be trusted to a few. If the solo isn’t done right, the whole show would be off, which is why I’m always nervous whenever I play it,” shared Chuah.
Sophomore Rebecca DeNota landed the title of drum major. “Drum major is a special position within the band because you become the person that they look up to,” explained DeNota, who works closely with many upperclassmen. “I am very grateful that they are understanding of the fact that I am younger and still learning.”
In two weeks, the band will be travelling to Hawaii to participate in an event in remembrance of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. “I am looking forward to getting to perform with my friends, going to the beach, and representing New Jersey because we are the only band invited from New Jersey,” said junior Caitlin LaFlower.
Posted on 11/28/23
Photos by Lors Photography
Knight Life 