Northstar Marching Unit Wins Its Second Consecutive Band Competition

by Matthew Crosley
Seniors from the Nottingham High School Marching Unit (L to R): Nick Mohring, Jose Vargas, Madison Brown, Jacob VanDerHorn, Evan Vistoso, Dimitri Johnson, Lourde Castor, Emmanuel Jaramillo, Jessie White, Charlie McGuire, Rohan Stephenson, and Garret Gonzalez.
On Saturday, October 8th, the Nottingham High School Marching Unit won its second consecutive band competition at the Burlington City Blue Devil “Fall Classic”. The Northstars won first place in Group 1A and also won for “Best Overall Effect” with a score of 78.3. 

The Marching ‘Stars also won their first competition of the year on September 17th at Hopewell Valley High School’s USBands Competition Music in Motion. Nottingham had the highest score in New Jersey for all 1A bands.

Band Director Mrs. Jennifer Klek stated that “the students really worked extremely hard for these wins. The performance itself is 10 minutes long. So far, the students have logged in over 100 hours of practice, just to work on something that is only 10 minutes long.”

The band is led by senior Drum Major Evan Vistoso. Vistoso is responsible for organizing the band during practices, leading the band in performances, and teaching younger band members proper technique. Evan said that he is extremely proud of the ban and “watching the band grow and progress has been more than just a treat. They are all extremely talented and passionate individuals. I’m so grateful that I get to spend my senior year with them.”

The Nottingham Marching Unit is led by Band Director Mrs. Klek, Assistant Director Jarrett Susswein, Color Guard Directors Matthew DiBiase and Robin Clifford, Percussion Instructor Demi Miller, and Pit Instructor Kathryn Dunn. The marching unit is supported by the Nottingham Marching Unit Parent Association (NMUPA). Officers are: President, Lisa Mohring; Vice President, Austin McGuire; Treasurer, Kelly Fry; and Corresponding Secretary, Stacy White.

Nottingham competes in the USBands competitive circuit in the Group 1A Division, which includes bands up to 39 members. There 15 divisions in the circuit. The Northstars also compete in a variety of competitions organized by other New Jersey high schools.