July 29 began the Connetquot High School marching band, kickline and color guard’s annual weeklong summer camp, preparing the 175 students for the school year’s many performances.

Led by band directors Greg Johnson and Stacy Stollberger, the student-musicians practiced their fall show titled, “T-Bird Land” for the year’s upcoming football games, homecoming and Newsday’s marching band festival. As part of the show, the students will be performing three songs, “Malagueña”, “Hey Pachuco” and “Bird Land”.

To close out the week on Aug. 2, students put on a special preview show for their parents, featuring student skits, a march-off and a preview of their fall show. For the skit portion, each section of instruments gave an improvisational performance, using marching techniques they learned throughout the week. The march-off determined who the best marcher was in each grade as well as in the band. Parent booster group, ORBBA, also provided ice cream for the musicians.

“We’re super proud that they worked so hard and are appreciative that they give up a week of their summer to do this,” Band Director Greg Johnson said. “I also want to thank the parents, Connetquot’s administrators and our board of education for supporting us and allowing us to do what we do. We’re excited for a great 2024-2025 school year.”

Date Added: 8/5/2024