Band

With a new year approaching, there are also new opportunities for students. One of these opportunities is the band program at Northview. The first instruments available to 4th graders are the flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. But, the instrument options will expand as you proceed in band with choices such as french horn, oboe, or alto saxophone, so there can be an option for everyone, regardless of musical taste. Also, the band-oriented events will expand. Of which there are All-State and Solo and Ensemble. Also, by joining Band, you would have the opportunity to meet people with similar interests. And, there is the music you get to play. For this year, we 8th graders got to play a medley of Star Wars and the soundtrack to Brave. There is also the feeling of accomplishment. Getting to hold something and make (somewhat) beautiful sound from it is like no other. Plus it exercises your brain, so math tests might go a little better if you choose to learn an instrument. So, consider joining the Northview Band Program, whether you are entering 5th grade or 9th grade. 

Edited by Madison Tool

On May 7th, 8th, and 14th headers performed at the high school for the 2024 band concert.  

The last concert did exceptionally well and both the 7th and 8th grade bands did wonderful! They improved a lot between their concerts, there was no doubt that they were great! This year the 8th grade played 4 songs instead of three. These songs include ‘Epic Gaming themes’, ‘Highlights from Brave’, ‘The Star Wars Saga’, and ‘Afterburn: Relaunch’.

The 7th-grade band has also grown a lot, taking on more challenging music such as ‘Jungle Dance’, ‘Metrix’, ‘Groovee!’, and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. They’ve made great improvements, we can't wait to see what they will bring next year!

Congratulations to the bands for improving so much and making it so far this year!

Edited by Kenton Koch

On December 6, we got to see both the 7th and 8th graders play in the Northview Performing Arts Center!

With a variety of songs including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Of Distant Peaks, and Northern Lights. This year, the 7th graders did especially well in their performances. Hats off to them!

Along with that, the 8th graders also did great! With the return of Santa The Barbarian in the third installment in the series, Santa the Barbarian and the Snowpocalypse, the cheery ride of Bobsled Run, and the fast-paced stops of North Face, this concert was great!

As the next concert is 11 weeks away, the band is gearing up for so many new songs!

Even so, the 8th grade band is short on members, so if you want to sign up, the end of the 1st semester is coming soon so you could fill out that application then!

As a final word, thank you to the Band Boosters who made the performances possible along with Mr. Lago and Ms. Hunsberger for being great band directors.

Hi, everyone! My name is Julian Davis and this is now my first time in Crossroads Chronicle. I'm really happy to be able to be a part of this. So, I interviewed Mr. Lago about the Northview marching band and he gave me great responses! If you are interested in marching band or are in it, you would most definitely like these answers.

What is the purpose of the marching band as a whole?
The original intent of school marching bands was to serve as entertainment and support for the school football teams. Its purpose has broadened through the decades and at Northview, we aim to honor the original intent while also participating in competitions at the state level, not to win, but to improve week to week. 

Do kids enjoy marching band?
Most kids enjoy marching band. Many kids who don't want to march but their parents require them to try it for one year wind up loving it and grow into leadership roles within the marching band before they graduate. 

What kind of schedule do marching band kids have?  

We're busy in the fall, specifically in October, but most of our rehearsal is done during the school day during class. Outside of school rehearsals are only Monday nights. 

When is band camp?

Band camp takes place in early August. It's the only large chunk of rehearsal time we have and we learn the bulk of our show during that week, so it's a crucial time for students. 

You guys went to Detroit Lions stadium for a competition…what were the results?   Was it fun?

We came in 3rd place in the state this last year. We've been going to state finals for the last 30 years and typically place 3rd or 4th. It's never our goal to win. But it is a fun and memorable time for all. 

What do most kids love about the marching band?

The things I hear the most from kids are the personal growth, the camaraderie, and believe it or not, the bus trips. 

Why do kids do marching band? What makes it so fun they do it every year?
I think for the above reasons, but maybe most of all, because it has a family-type feel to it, and it's a family you get to be a part of for just 4 years so once you're in the family, you can't imagine missing one of those years.