Universal Blockbusters

The Armstrong River Hawks Marching Band has been working very hard this year to develop an enjoyable halftime performance. Led by drum majors Natalie Claypoole and Zoey Dobrosky, drum captains Ava Lattanzio and Matthew Mclafferty, and color guard captain Hannah Taylor, the band has put together a halftime performance consisting of three songs. The first song, “King Kong Finale,” features a Taiko drum trio, the drumline, and choreography throughout the band during the drum break.  The next song is Pharrell Williams’ hit song, “Happy,” which originally premiered in the 2013 animated film Despicable Me 2. “Happy” is the production number of the halftime show, which features the color guard. The final song, “Jurassic Potter,” features John Williams’ world-famous “Jurassic Park” theme, and two of his Harry Potter songs: “Hedwig’s Theme” and “Nimbus 2000.” The first half of the song is slow and mysterious; however, the tempo ramps up during the transition to “Nimbus 2000,” reflecting the speed of Harry’s broomstick.

Drum major Natlie Claypoole, a senior, said that junior high night is her favorite football game. Reflecting back to her own junior high night, Natalie said, “I got full body shivers. I was like, this is so cool.” To be able to recreate the experience that she once had for the junior high kids is meaningful and special to her. Regarding the 2023 show — Universal Blockbusters — Natalie said that her favorite parts are the Harry Potter robes and flags that represent the four different houses. “I will forever remember the day I got my first baton,” she said in awe. The batons used by the drum majors to conduct in “Jurassic Potter” represent the wands featured in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Natalie herself has never been to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, but she is excited and optimistic about the trip. 

The band's seniors have also been working very hard to help lead the band and contribute to the great year. They are Nathan Ferraro, Caroline Holm, Hailey Sellers, Xoie Shoup, Finn Waldrop, Everett Walker, Austin Stello, Zakk Boyer, Grace Wilson, Abby Marcinek, Christian Shuster, Ava Lattanzio, Matthew Mclafferty, Riley Wagner, Annastajah Wynter, and Lilly Polka. The color guard seniors are Emily Miller and Breauna Aungst. The marching band will be performing their show during halftime on Friday nights at the football games and at the Marching Band Festival at Freeport Area High School on Oct. 11.