Every home football game, fans are continually impressed with the performance of NPHS’s marching band. Throughout the season, they bring life to the games regardless of how the team is doing. Many students understand that the band is successful, but their job is far from over after football games.

This year they attended four competitions.  At these events, the bands are separated by member count and observed by five or seven judges. They are scored in several categories, and the ratings are averaged out at the end to determine the final score.

This year, the band placed first at the Ludwig Musser Classic at MetLife Stadium, with a score of 82.3. They then went on to play at Ridge High School, where they scored an 89.3. On October 29th at South Brunswick High School, the band won the New Jersey state championship, placing first in Group 5A. They won several awards, including the best effect, visual, and percussion. This is the 14th time the band has won the state championships in the last twenty years. 

The win allowed the band to play at the USBands A Class National Championships in Allentown, Pennsylvania. On Saturday November 5, the band won the national title, ending their season with a score of 95.0. They received awards for best overall color guard, percussion, music, effect, and visual.

Junior Ronan Flanagan, one of the band’s drum majors said: “It was really surreal. Our band philosophy is that scoring and placement do not determine how hard we’ve worked.  However with that being said, it was great to hear our name being called for first place.”

The band has proven to be an extremely competitive program, so it is essential that all members do their jobs as they strive to improve and win. Not only does the band have to sound perfect, but they also have to look the part.

Under director Mr. Niedziejko, the band trains throughout the summer and fall for their competitions.

Junior Jack Verbaro, who plays the tenor saxophone, explains that members are expected to focus and work hard at all times: “Our instructors push us to make efficient use of every second of our time at rehearsals.”

Strategies are employed to keep the band on task and make sure everything is running smoothly.

Flanagan said: “At rehearsal, we practice in order to ensure that the band has a balanced and strong sound. The conductors must have a strong visual communication between themselves and members of the band to keep everyone moving in time.”

Consistently competing at this high level requires extensive practice and dedication, which can be difficult for students.

Verbaro, who participates in band and football at the same time, works hard to remain committed to both programs:  “Practice time is limited, and we have to make the best use out of everyone.”

The championship is a huge relief to the members, as all their work finally paid off.