From the start, 2020 delivered a series of unusual circumstances to our community, schools and Harrison Marching Band, challenging band members, parents, directors and our entire extended band family with unprecedented obstacles to organizing, fielding and completing the marching season.
Navigating uncertainty, changing protocols and cancellations of all competitions, our Harrison Hoya band worked through it all, patiently and together. A year before, who could have envisioned virtual band camp, pre-practice health checks, socially distanced football game performances and covering brass instrument bells? After attending Grand National Championships, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and traveling to multiple states for top competitions, how would a season limited to performing pep music solely at home games from end-zone bleachers compare?
But there they were, from July through November, more than 140 dedicated, committed Harrison Hoya band members, focused on the music, marching, performance and team spirit. Wearing masks. Exchanging distanced high-fives and air kisses. Spicing up practices with lip sync battles and dance routines. High school kids doing what high school kids always do – inventing and creating fun experiences together.
Proud and Thankful
“We are incredibly proud of and thankful to all our members who endured a season like no other before,” said Josh Ray, director of bands at Harrison High School. “Usually, we start the year with band camp, then progress into football games and competitions, with our new members getting to know our band family in-person and our experienced members renewing musical and personal friendships. In 2020, everyone stuck with us as we all navigated the uncertainty of these trying times. From virtual band camp to socially distanced practices, through the cancellation of our marching competitions to playing together in classes and pep band performances, these students showed commitment and courage to overcome all these unusual challenges.”
“We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to all our parents, who supported them and our Harrison Bands program throughout this journey. We understand that band is a huge commitment for our members and their entire families, and we owe our parents and families a debt of gratitude for their confidence in our program.,” Ray concluded.
Outstanding Contributions
All members worked diligently and contributed during these unusual circumstances, special credit and appreciation, and we want to acknowledge our entire band in four distinct groups:
- Band Leaders, Section Leaders, Captain and Committee Members. Throughout the ever-changing challenges, our outstanding 2020 band leaders proved their dedication and displayed exactly why they were selected as leaders even before the extent of the challenge were known.
- Seniors. Always the backbone of the marching band and expected to set the right example for newcomers, 2020 seniors were shining stars. They could have displayed disappointment with the crazy times and cancellations. Instead, they provided motivation, encouragement and support for all our members.
- Returning Members. Overall, our numbers were down slightly, but the overwhelming majority of our members returned even after we knew 2020 was going to be very different. Returning members are the heart of the band each year, and they showed their heart with dedication, excellence and pride.
- First-Timers. While others had experience with how our band family pulls together and supports each other, our new members made a leap of faith to join the band during the chaos. As expected, our experienced members took extra care to welcome, connect with and mentor our rookies, making them feel comfortable in the band environment and assisting with the trying transition from middle to high school. Thanking them for their confidence and courage we look forward to having them back for what we hope is a real marching season in 2021.
A Sense of Normalcy, Belonging
While the environment around them was chaotic and the times unprecedented, one of the most satisfying outcomes of the year was hearing band members describe how marching band brought a feeling of normalcy to the disruptions. In an average year, we don’t often hear band members expressing eagerness to attend long afternoon practices to march repetitive routines on hot asphalt. But in 2020, the desire for belonging and togetherness, a craving of routine, brought our students together while many of the usual experiences were suspended.
What About 2021
We’re already beginning our 2021 planning — eagerly looking forward to a return to marching, halftime performances and competition. Regardless of what the year brings, we are certain of one thing:
WE WILL #MARCHON
