CHS MARCHING BAND: MORE THAN JUST HALFTIME

From the school district today:

During the last week of August, while most of the CHS student body was enjoying one last week of summer vacation, the members of the Columbia High School Cougar Marching Band, “The Pride of Columbia,” took to the field for their 2014 band camp.  The band spent over forty hours rehearing and perfecting their 2014 field show entitled “Fusion.”  “This show is a bit of a departure for us,” said Peter F. Bauer, Director of Bands at Columbia.  “In years past we have developed our own shows and had them arranged for us.  This year we decided to go with a show that was already written and so far the band is responding really well to it.”

Assisting Mr. Bauer this season are percussion coordinator Matthew Whaley and color guard coordinator Debbie Yaniga.  “We are lucky to have great instructors on staff who are so dedicated to the band, challenge them at every turn, and want to see them succeed” said Bauer.  Student leaders for the band include Drum Major Russell Pinzino, flute section leader Claire Evans, clarinet section leader Imani Mosquera, saxophone section leader Matt Schilling, brass section leaders Micah Lind and Willy Frazer, percussion captain Riley Wine, snare drum section leader John Meusel, bass drum section leader Ethan Gill, front ensemble section leader Tae McLoughlin, and color guard captains Mona Duggan and Delainey Fuschetto.

“As usual, we can’t do anything without the love and support we receive from the Columbia High School Music Parents’ Association, too” said Bauer.  “The music parents have always been there for us and we can never thank them enough for everything they do for us during the season and throughout the entire school year.”

The band’s camp ended with a premiere performance of the first movement of their field show presented for a record crowd of parents, alumni, administrators, board members, and other special guests.  “The crowd reaction was exactly what we hoped for” said Bauer.  “The show is going to keep evolving as the season progresses, so everyone has to come out and see our performances – it’s going to be a great year!”

The Cougar Marching Band will be performing all of the varsity football team’s games as well as competitions in Roxbury, Randolph, Rutgers University, Union, and Wayne Hills.  For more information on the CHS band program please visit:  http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/page/835.