Led by student musicians who play a variety of instruments, school and community events are enhanced by the band program. Whether it be football games, pep rallies, school plays or town parades, band members share their talent with the crowds, highlighting the variety of instruments students musicians can play.
Band teacher Barry Zhou anticipates the excitement that will come with the band equipment, as the equipment the band has been using is from the 1970s and 1980s. “If you’ve been digging around in your attic before, and you’ve picked something up that hasn’t been touched in decades, and you’re dusting it off, it has that old smell,” Mr. Zhou said. “Those are the drums that we’re currently using in our program. “We’re thankful we have them. We do our best, but it’s always nice to have equipment that not only sounds great, but also looks great, and we can represent our town and our school in the best way possible,” he said.
High school bands nationwide have historically been a big part of the school community. “If you look all over the US at schools that have a really strong football team, typically there’s a great band in the stands, helping to entertain the crowd.” Drumlines are usually part of these bands and help bring spirit to the football games. At NCHS, “We are very fortunate to have a great athletic department. Our football team has won state championships twice in a row, so the community deserves to have a drumline just as good as our teams, playing at all the football games,” said Mr. Zhou.
“We’re just here to bring music and joy to people. That’s what we hope to bring to the community with the new equipment.”
barry zhou, band teacher
Band senior Anderson Cook noted that the new instruments will allow the band to easily carry the equipment with them during marches and transport them with ease to different events, such as varsity football games. “We can do things like have an actual drumline at football games, rather than just a bunch of people playing in the stands,” said Anderson.
Along with bringing a drumline to enhance sporting events, Mr. Zhou hopes to educate kids on the rudimental style of drumming. “Connecticut has a long history of drumming; they call it rudimental drumming. It’s based on how military units back in wars, historically had a drummer with each group of soldiers, playing the drum so they can all march together, and so they can all know when to attack, or retreat,” Mr. Zhou said.
Mr. Zhou hopes that with the addition of new equipment, the band will gain more recognition in the community. “We just hope it’s a fun part of the community. We hope people can recognize the band and know about it and how it’s fun to be part of the high school and the town community.” he said. “We’re just here to bring music and joy to people. That’s what we hope to bring to the community with the new equipment.”
