Chances are, you’ve seen the New Hartford Marching Spartans during football game half-time shows—but there is far more to this activity than that. Every year they attend the New York State Field Band Conference Championships held at the JMA wireless dome, formerly known as the Carrier Dome. This is a whole competition dedicated to marching bands and is attended by hundreds of spectators.
Students and coaches invest their time, money, and effort into putting on an amazing show each year. This season’s show is called Icarus, telling the story of a man who flew too close to the sun and got burned. The conflict of this story is how Icarus’s father wants his son to be free from the island they’re trapped on, but in doing so, he’ll never see him again. In the end, Icarus decides to take the wings and fly to freedom, choosing to live his own life.
The band’s home show, the Spartan Spectacular, was last weekend. The NHMB received second place with a score of 79.05, almost 5 whole points higher than their score at the last competition.
I asked the staff and members of the band why they put in so much time and energy into this activity.
1: What about this show/season are you particularly excited about?
“There are many things to choose from! In particular, I am excited to see the entire show come together on the field. This show is longer than any show we have done since I became director, and to see it all from start to finish as it was originally intended is going to be a very exciting moment!” band director, Mr. Fabbio explains.
“I’m excited to see how much we can improve this show and make it as perfect as we can make it,” says Zach Nicotera, an 11th-grade saxophonist.
“I’m excited to perform this show! This year is my last marching band show before my senior year so I want to make it count. I’m particularly excited for my duet for the show this season with Icarus!” Lily Desjardins, an 11th grader in the color guard, replies.
“I am excited to have a bigger dancing role, especially as my love for it has grown so much,” 11th grade Haylie Cox comments.
2: What do you like about marching band as an activity?
“How much time do you have? There are so many things to choose from, and my answer would probably change depending on the day. But right now, I would say it is getting to teach students that I first meet in junior high all the way through high school. While I look forward to seeing all of the students in the marching band, it is always particularly nice to see students that I once taught at Perry,” Mr Fabbio states.
“I like marching band because I get to go places I wouldn’t normally go. Also I enjoy performing with all the talented people in the band,” Zach Nicotera claims.
“I love the support from all of my teammates and the parents, they never fail to make me smile!!” Lily Desjardans remarks.
“I love the community, I love how I get to see my friends and engage in something we equally love for hours a week,” Haylie says.
3: What are your hopes for this season?
“To be the best that we can possibly be, but perhaps more importantly, to appreciate the season, and to enjoy it to the fullest,” Mr Fabbio explains.
“My hope for this season is to get first place at Dome as I haven’t won first in a marching band season yet,” says Zach Nicotera.
“My greatest hope for this season is to get 1st place at the Syracuse dome!” Lily Desjardins states.
“I hope to win dome, honestly. I know winning isn’t everything, but it’s still nice,” Haylie responds.
Marching band is a safe space for many people, a way for students to distract themselves from the chaos of life. Over one hundred teens, an entire staff, and a bunch of dedicated band parents all work together to create something amazing. Senior Bethany LaVere perfectly explains why people love this activity so much.
“This year I’m excited about being back in the group after taking a year off. Being a senior in marching band is both a stressful and amazing opportunity.” Bethany explains. “I love being able to create music and work towards the common goal of improving our show. Marching band is my escape; no matter how sad, overwhelmed, or distracted I am, I can come and take my mind off of life. It takes every ounce of focus from moving, playing, and putting all your heart into this activity. I am not a competitive person, but I do strive to do my best in all that I do and love. Whether we win or lose, there is always something you can gain from every competition and practice. Marching has taught me so many skills, from punctuality to determination, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without it.”
There may be moments when band members are tired from a long practice or frustrated at not being able to perfect something, but when they are on the bleachers and hear our school’s name called out for first place while friends celebrate around them, students say it’s all worth it.
