N.J. bands on Sept. 20
High school will host
N.J. bands on Sept. 20
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — High school bands will compete at Manalapan High School, Church Lane, at noon Sept. 20 as the fall band season gets under way.
The fourth annual United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) Marching Band Competition is being hosted by the Manalapan High School Marching Braves band under the direction of Peter Korey and by the Manalapan High School Music Parents Association.
"It is a smaller band than last year, but a very powerful group," Korey said. "Last year they came in third place and I see a good year ahead with high scores again."
Working with Korey are Karen Hedden, drill designer, Maggi Ilardi, flag designer and adviser, and David Gelth, percussion instructor.
Parents association President Joseph DePasquale said, "The kids are phenomenal. There are a lot of talented young individuals there and Mr. Korey really goes out of his way for these kids."
DePasquale, who has a daughter in the band, said he thinks the Manalapan group will do very well again this year.
"Across the state there are a lot of good groups, a lot of young talent out there, and it’s amazing to be sitting in the bleachers and to see and hear what comes out of these kids," he said. "It really gives you a heartfelt sensation that they’re doing so well. It’s phenomenal, what comes out of these kids. They’re a great group."
According to DePasquale, the members of the Manalapan band spend the last two weeks in August attending band camp at the high school from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on some days and from 4-10 p.m. on other days.
In addition to the Manalapan band, the competition, sanctioned by the USSBA, will feature performances by area marching bands including Columbia High School, Maplewood; Carteret High School, Carteret; Randolph High School, Randolph Township; Toms River East High School, Toms River; and Whippany Park High School, Whippany.
Manalapan High School will be represented by 24 band members who will coordinate their music with the flag movements provided by approximately 20 color guard members.
Drum majors Angela Colligan and Jeff Conrad, both juniors, will lead the band. Flag captains are Colleen Fitzgerald and Elaine White, while Rebecca Lasky is the weapons captain this year.
Three selections which the band will march to are "Estancia" by Jay Dawson; "Color of My Love" by Celine Dion; and "Escaszu," also by Dawson.
"This will be the first of many competitions in which the band will participate in preparation for the state final in November in Frenchtown," Korey said.
Other competition dates are: Sept. 21 at J.P. Stevens, Edison; Oct. 4 at Toms River East, Toms River; Oct. 11 at Scotch Plains; Oct. 19 at Carteret; and Oct. 25 at Sayreville.
The bands will be evaluated by USSBA judges and the event will culminate with the presentation of trophies for merit in several categories.
Manalapan High School Principal Terri Grey said, "Each year the marching band continues to improve their competition repertoire. I have great expectations for another successful year and I am very proud of each and every member of the band. Kudos to Mr. Korey for his continuous demonstration of leadership as the marching band director."
The Manalapan High School Braves Marching band will also perform at nine football games this fall: Sept. 12, at Brick Memorial, Brick Township; Sept. 19, home vs. Jackson; Sept. 25, at Toms River East; Oct. 3, home vs. Southern Regional (parents night); Oct. 17, home vs. Toms River North (homecoming); Oct. 24, at Freehold Township; Nov. 1, at Howell; Nov. 7, home vs. Lacey; and Nov. 27, home vs. Marlboro.
On Oct. 20, the band will participate in the Spooktacular Parade in Freehold Borough.
DePasquale said one of the main goals of the parents association is to work to purchase new uniforms for the group.
"What the kids have now are uniforms that are 13 years old," he said. "We are the only high school in the Freehold Regional High School District that [is involved in the] competitions. I [feel there is] a need for new uniforms. We’re showing off the school district. We need to get more parents involved. I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids. It’s a really good function for kids."
The public is welcome to attend the Sept. 20 band competition at Manalapan High School. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the uniform fund can make a check payable to MHSMPA and send it to Manalapan High School Music Parents Association Uniform Fund, 71 Lone Star Lane, Manalapan 07726.