French horns, trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, bass drums, and oboes. Instrument that make up what we call the North Harford Marching band- the halftime entertainment that leads school spirit.

      The band’s conductor,  Mr. David Wacyk, who began teaching at North Harford last year,  has increased the group’s size from 50 students last year to 64 this year. They have also begun to march during the halftime shows to different ‘sets’.

      “Each rehearsal is divided between music and marching,” stated Mr. Wacyk. “During the marching portion, we reinforce marching technique, as well as making our field show look as precise as possible. During music rehearsals, we work on focusing our sound, and maximizing our musical precision and presence on the field.”

      After the football season ends, the band then shifts to focusing on music rehearsals.

      “The people in band are friendly and open, chaotic too,” stated ninth  grader Savannah Blythe,  who plays the clarinet. Typically, the members of North Harford’s band began playing their instruments in 4th grade, and have continued playing into high school.

      This year the drum majors include Katie Solysiak and Laura Eller. They conduct the band in the stands and during half time. This year’s halftime theme is “Blockbuster”, and including songs from movies such as 2001, a Space Odyssey, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Superman.

      “Before a game we get in our uniforms, practice a little in the band room, line up and go,” stated eleventh grader Sam Vanvalcenburg, who plays the alto saxophone in the band.

      During the game, the students in marching band cheer, dance and play stand tunes to get the school involved when they perform. They also play songs that the audience recognizes to try and get them involved.

     “Afterwards we the whole band dismiss, and the section of the week,” said Vanvalcenburg. The section of the week is chosen after the game. Some of the sections Mr. Wacyk could choose from include trumpets or saxophones.

     Wacyk hopes to develop the bands range of performance this upcoming year.

      “Every year we’ll be growing and expanding our performances, i.e. marching while playing, including more visual elements such as twirlers and/or color guard,” stated Wacyk.

       Besides performing at the halftime show at home football games, this year they will perform at the Harford County Marching Showcase, in addition to presenting winter and spring concerts, chamber recitals, jazz coffee houses, recruiting performances, and parades.

      From previous years, and old tradition of the band was for the Jazz Band to play “Birdland” at their final concert.