Hundreds of parents, siblings, friends, and teachers packed the stands of Malverne High School’s football field with anticipation on Friday night. After a week spent rigorously training, the Pride of Malverne Marching Band would be performing for the community the piece the school will be competing with for the 2025 season.
The 121 band members spent last week intensively training to prepare for their upcoming competition season. During the camp, students learned their instrument, how to march while playing, different formations, and the piece they will be performing “Beyond the Blue.”
“During our production, we explore what blue means,” assistant marching band director Jessica Rizzuto said. “So the sky is blue, the ocean is blue, we can feel blue. Just different experiences of the color blue.”
“I’m proud of how far we came,” Rizzuto said. “We had some rough weather with the heat and then the rain, but we rolled with the punches and got so much done.”
The end of camp performance allows new parents and new band members experience a performance for the first time and connect with others. The Malverne Music Parents Association introduce themselves before the show and stick around to answer questions when its over.
The Malverne Music Parents Association is a group of parents who help with fundraising and supporting the music students throughout band season. “Band parents are here during band camp preparing waters, making sure everyone is eating,” MMPA president Lukeisha Paul said. “Throughout the season, band parents can be found as pit crew members, helping with instruments and props, and cheering them on.”
“After seeing this first performance, I already know they’re going to make it to first place,” Paul said.
The MMPA is available to answer all questions parents have about the band and competition season. All parents are welcome to join the MMPA and the MMPA accepts monetary donations as well. You can email malvernemusicassociation@gmail.com for more details.
“We have so much support for the program here in Malverne,” Michael Messina, district supervisor of music and fine arts, said. “We’re so appreciative of it.”
Marching band season kicks off on Sept. 14 and culminates with the New York State Field Band Conference Championships in Syracuse on Oct. 26.
