Band Competition

When people think of traditional sports or competitions, the idea of the school band being laboursome is not usually thought of. But as many of the students in the NQHS band will tell you, it is not a walk in the park. Between the school's usual year around band and the optional marching band season in the spring and fall, students can find themselves stretched thin. As many of the students in the band will love to tell you, it’s not easy. Band members have to hone their musical skills while also balancing their school work, extracurricular activities and their personal lifes which can be just as tiring as it sounds.

NQHS’s band is known for doing well in its competitions and has placed top 3 in the last 5 competitions they have entered. In the spring our band will compete in the MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental Choral & Conductors Association) concert tournament, this will be their biggest competition this year and according to senior student Nikki Phan: “We've been working toward it all year and we are nearly ready. I am confident in my friends and I am sure we can get first place this time.”

Although band is not technically classified as a sport, I believe it is fair to say a large amount of talent, skill, and focus is required to be able to play an instrument in an orchestra setting with many other musicians playing at the same time as you. A lot of timing and discipline is required of the students and directors Mr. DeMarco and Mr. Cavanaugh both do an excellent job of preparing their students for the events and performances they participate in. With a designated school period every day and weekly meeting where the students train their musical skill, students will have more than enough time to rehearse their parts with either instructor and be at the top of their game.

Being a member of the school band can lead to many late nights of work and not a lot of sleep. But it opens up a lot of opportunities for students going into college and as best said by senior student Donny Liu: “Even though it can be draining at times, I’d do it all again. I’ve met a lot of really good friends I’d call family in the band and had some of the most fun I’ve had in being at school.”