Marching Band Begins Outdoor Rehearsals
Submitted by Victoria Baum
If you are lucky enough to live near Governor Livingston High School, for the past few weeks you were treated to the sounds of the pipes and drums (and other instruments) as student musicians came back together to begin outdoor rehearsals with the Governor Livingston Marching Band.
“We are thrilled to be back for the band in person. It was great to see the Governor Livingston Campus alive in the month of August with band and athletics proceeding. While we cannot predict exactly how the school year will proceed, it is our hope that these culturally needed extra and co-curricular activities can continue,” said Nicholas O’Sullivan, Highlander Band Director and GL Music Teacher.
The band has been rehearsing roughly four times a week (weather and holidays permitting) and is having a blast together. This year’s Marching Band is composed of 54 students across all sections. As of now, they will be playing at home games only (for in-person performances), with the exact details of their schedule still being worked out.
Well-known for their success on the competition circuit, the Marching Band will have to switch gears a bit this year to continue competing. Due to the global pandemic, many competition circuits for marching bands across the United States have changed models from in-person competitions to “virtual” evaluations. The local circuit that the Highlanders compete in, ‘Tournament of Bands’, has done the same. Accordingly, Mr. O and his team will be recording the field show at Governor Livingston High School weekly and submitting it to the circuit for evaluation. On weekends in late September and throughout October, the band staff will meet with the judges virtually on Zoom to watch the performance together and get feedback to share with the students.
While it may not be a typical year for our band members (or any of our students), it is exciting to see students and staff embracing the challenges they face with creativity so that they can pursue the activities they love.
Photos by Berkeley Heights Public Schools
