Marching Nighthawks End Season With A Bang

The beaming smiles on the faces of drum majors Dany Capozziello and Patrick Milano as they led their bandmates through the first Musical Arts Conference “Victory Circle” performance in four years said it all this past Saturday, November 12, at Bridgeport’s Kennedy Stadium.

Thanks to the performance by the NHS Marching Band & Color Guard on Saturday, the band completed the 2011 season undefeated in Connecticut, taking the Class V Championship with a season high score of 94.4.

Along with the first place trophy, the NHS Marching Nighthawks also earned trophies for Best Drum Majors, Best Visual Effect, Best Marching, Best Overall Performance, Best Percussion, and Best Guard.

“I’m just so proud of all of you,” band Director Kurt Eckhart told the 113 NHS band and color guard members at the event.

This week, Mr Eckhart also reflected on the band and color guard’s season overall following Saturday’s competition.

This year’s Marching Band had 89 members and this year’s color guard had 26 members, according to Mr Eckhart.

“We were very proud of what the kids accomplished this year,” said Mr Eckhart.

This year’s Marching Band & Guard was challenged on multiple levels, including the difficulty of the performance, according to the band director.

The year’s show, “In Sania,” included music from the Broadway Show Jekyll & Hyde. Mr Eckhart said he decided on the composition last March while pouring through many recordings. When he heard the music from Jekyll & Hyde, he said, he knew it would perfectly suit a marching band.

Many students stood out for their performance this year, Mr Eckhart said.

“It is a team effort, and the students worked really hard,” said the band director.

From the start of the season, Mr Eckhart said he knew this group of students were special. The band and color guard members showed enthusiasm from the start and showed marked improvement each weekend during performances, he said.

“They were a great bunch of kids,” said Mr Eckhart.

With this season just over, Mr Eckhart said his thoughts are already on next season. As always, he said, he is preparing for the next year.