JACKSON – Under the watchful eyes and well-trained ears of Jackson Memorial High School Band Director Jason Diaz and Assistant Band Director Eric Ficarra, the members of the Jaguar Band have spent a good portion of their summer preparing for their 2016 program “Letters From Home.”
The summer practice is in advance of band camp, which will culminate on Aug. 18 with a special performance for parents, according to a press release.
The band members will march in the Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade on Sept. 10.
The Jaguars will begin their competition season on Sept. 17 and over the next eight weeks will be competing in nine events. The events are highlighted by the band’s home competition on Oct. 8 at Jack Munley field, the Yamaha Cup at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 15, the New Jersey State Championship at Rutgers University on Oct. 22 and the U.S. Bands National Championship on Nov. 8 in Allentown, Pa. The Jaguars won the national title in 2013.
The band will also perform at halftime of Jackson Memorial’s football games.
To finish the year, the Jaguar Band and the Jackson Memorial Jazz Ensemble will perform at Walt Disney World during spring break in April 2017.
This year’s student leadership is as follows: Drum Majors: Kelly McNally, Lia Bantang, Vance Balce; Marching Captains: Rachel Northrup, Matt Pastore, Dan Carvalho; Percussion Captains: Katherine Knoebel, Ryan Clare; Guard Captain: Brooklyn Vitale; Weapon Captain: Juhi Maggu; Flag Captain: Ashley Schmidt.
Section Leaders: Flutes: Jessica Marazzo, Daniella Giuffi; Clarinets: Jenna Capitelli, Megan Smith; Alto Saxes: Federico Coria, Justin Cohen, Jessica Whitteaker; Tenor/Baritone Saxes: Christian Zoeller, Mike Kaloyerakis; Trumpets: Tyler McCann, Ryan Haley, Annabel Hughes; Mellophones: Brendan Korey, Marley Anders; Trombones: Grace Burrows, Trent Boshart; Baritones: Mike Simon, Will Korey; Tubas: Hunter Fink, Kevin Hogan.