DRUM ROLL PLEASE...RAMBLER MARCHING BAND!
(Photo Above and Slideshow of Photos Below by Jonathan Vega)
Carteret High School is just like any other ordinary high school in New Jersey with clubs and sports that students have the choice to be a part of. This town has a lot to be proud of thanks to its students and their effort & dedication to their teams. Though one that seems to stand out amongst the rest, and just named number one in New Jersey is...drum roll please…Marching Band!
With over 66 members, Carteret’s Marching band has taken the glory of first place in competitions against the rest of the state bands, and I managed to witness a competition, which was truly amazing. All the other bands seem to have a full wallet in their pocket, however quantity does not always mean quality, especially in this case. The band prevailed and took first place again and again.
To my curiosity, I interviewed some of the band members and I received great information to share with you and a had good time, as I did it, and endured a lot of laughter.
How long have you been in Marching Band?
Captains have been there around since 8th grade/freshman, veterans around three to two years, rookies just started.
Did you know how to play some of the instruments or did you learn how to play in the process?
Music will always be a passion to society with artist starting young to improve their skills, and in this case some knew how to play instruments, but with marching band they continued to improve for the better. However sometimes a change in positions is necessary and they have to learn a new instrument within the season which proves to be difficult and stressful. Though one member, Jason, managed to play everything this year!
What did it take to be a Captain and Major?
To apply to be a Captain one must have 2 years of band experience and be present often; but to be a Major one must have 3 years of band and audition for it. It is better start early on to reach those positions.
High school teams have this special bond, almost like family, so I wondered if the same ideology applies to the band...
How do you guys feel about each other and the relationship the band has?
To which Captain of Low Brass and Drum Major, Shelsea, shouts ironically “I hate you all,” with a response of laughter. Friendships developed from having one friend freshman year to being friends with everyone in band.
“We grew a bond with each and every single person no matter how different we are, we all feel like family," said Jason.
The Band Family is like another home for its members, especially since high school can be a difficult time for some. They do argue like a family but at the end of the day they know they have to work together, not be selfish and cooperate with the other members to get the job done.
With some of you as juniors and seniors, what do you plan on doing after high school and into college? Will you continue Marching Band or will it be just a hobby?
Getting into College Marching Band is difficult but their are options to do so, along with other programs relating to band. One member, Jessica, brought up how during a field trip to Woodbridge High School for a College Fair, she found out there are marching band in some of the colleges that were present, which was awesome to see first hand.
Carteret Marching Band has a lot to offer for anyone who has a passion for music, develop new skills or improve what they already know, and, of course, be part of the family under Doctor Bradley’s guidance (or Uncle Fester in their words!). Their hard work led them to being ranked top of the state.
Way to go CHS Rambler Marching Band!
