BY JACOB EWY
This summer, the Northwood Marching Chargers are set to perform at the Philadelphia 4th of July Parade. The Marching Chargers’ performance will be their first nationally televised performance in modern memory, and a first for current students and staff.
But, arranging an event of this scale is no small feat, as Band Director, Hagan Zoellers, knows. To organize this opportunity, Zoellers needed to “find the right hotel, get charter buses, [secure] tickets and meals, and make sure that all of the stuff that we’re gonna do is paid for and arranged.” Both Zoellers and the Northwood Band Boosters Association have been hard at work ensuring the band gets a warm welcome.
“It’s a fun opportunity to bond one last time with the people I’m classmates with,” said Senior drum major Sabrina Wright.
“I’m really excited because I love to travel,” said Kayla Riçard, a member of the prop crew, who managed the band’s set pieces during the competition season. Every member of the band and crew is crucial for a successful performance. The Marching Chargers have put in a great deal of work and team building to get them to the show they have achieved today.
After the parade, the band is also looking forward to other performance possibilities.
“Other parades in Raleigh, Durham, maybe Charlotte could be a cool opportunity for us,” Zoellers said. “[We have] requests from several different local performing venues.”
Aside from those musical prospects, the jazz band is also working towards performing at The Plant, a hub of local businesses and music in downtown Pittsboro. Even though the band is competing on a national level, the NHS Marching Band often hosts local events to maintain their community presence.
Students are also excited to branch out from Northwood in their performances, as this is a great experience and learning opportunity for the whole band. “It would help rack up donations and popularity,” Wright said.
