Polished boots fly across the field. Above them, synchronized shapes move in perfect rhythm, alongside flying colors. An audience sits tantalized in crowded stands as sound booms towards them from an array of musical instruments.
A story unfolds as the music and tempo changes across the field. A sudden halt stuns the crowd, and cheers erupt towards the field.
Every fall, the New Providence High School Marching Band performs a new show for competitions and football games. ‘You Are Not Alone,’ NPHS marching band’s 2023 annual show, strives to convey a message of support and understanding to its viewers.
Mr. Niedziejko, director and drill writer of the NPHS marching band said this year’s show:
does focus on an idea of mental health, talking about the fact that if anyone needs help, there’s always somebody that can ask for support.”
‘You are Not Alone,’ tells the story of someone who experiences major hardships in life; then depicts their journey of finding acceptance and peace, eventually in the end realizing that, “they are not alone.”
Following alongside each movement of the show are four musical pieces, chosen by Mr. Niedziejko and arranged by Jeff Chambers.
Part one utilizes an upbeat mood to convey a character that is well adjusted in life.
This is soon interrupted by Part two, where Dimitri Shostakovich’s erratic and fast paced symphony No.10, which, according to Mr. Niedziejko, depicts the: “tragedy and definite change from the first movement.”
Part three, introduces a time of newfound emotional awareness of this character, with the expressive and uplifting piece “A True Passion” by Lauren Belfie. Included in this movement are two solos, both played by a mellophone and trombone.
Part Four, “You are Not Alone,” from the popular Musical, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, marks the end of this story, showing how the character has found the support that they have been searching for the entire duration of the show.
“This year’s show is much more difficult, since we move faster while playing complicated music, but I think it’s worth it since the show looks so nice when it all comes together,” said Anna Fanning, 11th grader and section leader of the Baritones.
With this increase in difficulty from the2021 show, “Frost, and the2022 show, “Formation”, the marching band has worked to improve their technique.
“As a whole the band needs to work on our technique,” says Fanning. “We’re doing well at executing our drill, but we would benefit from working on keeping our legs straight and our shoulders square to the front sideline.”
Similarly, Gracie Givinazzo, a freshman playing bass clarinet in the U section, finds the ability to maintain exemplary form to be a main component of marching.
She said: “It’s hard to play your instrument and make sure that you’re going to the right sets, but on top of that you need to make sure your legs don’t bend so that you don’t stick out from everyone else.”
Most importantly, aside from new visuals, the NPHS marching band has been working to build up their confidence in themselves, and the show’s ability to grow throughout the season.
“I want the band members to be confident in every performance. My goal on October 28th when we have state championships is to leave the field, feeling confident that we did the best we could,” said Niedziejko.