“Paranormal”: The Marching Unit’s 2021 Field Show of Unexplained Noise
by Kathryn Dunn
On October 9, 2021 the Nottingham Marching Unit took first place in Steinert High School’s marching band competition, Music In Motion. The Nottingham Marching Unit performed this season’s show, “Paranormal,” scoring a 77.2, winning in the captions of Individual Music, Ensemble Music, Visual, and Music Effect.
The Marching Unit has chosen “Paranormal” for its 2021 field show. The show, composed by Gary P. Gilroy, “is the darkest show we have ever done,” says Mrs. Klek. “We usually go for something more lighthearted, but I think this theme works well this year.” The show was selected after the directors considered several shows. Mrs. Klek told Star Status, “We look for something that is challenging and plays to our strengths and is appropriate for our size. Sometimes, this takes weeks.”
“Paranormal” is one of the heavier and challenging pieces for the Marching Unit, especially after a year without a marching season. “I love the theme of the show and I hope that by the end of the season we can have a spooky show that will make peoples' jaws hit the floor,” said drum major Evan Vistoso. The show features three movements: “Unexplained Noises,” “Séance,” and “Get Out.” The show is primarily brass centered, but the audience is also treated to a more woodwind-centered movement in “Séance.”
There are several interesting and captivating aspects of “Paranormal,” such as the dramatic pauses preceding impact moments, thrilling crash cymbals, rapid runs from the front ensemble, and an interesting ⅞ section. With a show as thrilling as Paranormal it can be difficult to perform. Section leader Makenna Fowler explained, “The almost constant dissonance adds tension and the impact moments are really interesting when played correctly. Performances of this show require a lot of energy to keep the audience captivated.” Nevertheless, the Marching Unit is always improving impact moments, musicality, drill and more with every practice.
This season the color guard tells the story of a group of friends over for a fun night in, where they hear unexplained noises, perform a seance, and are chased around the house by the spirits. The story progresses with the three movements of the show. The color guard performs flag and rifle tosses, flourishes, a séance, and a quick change by Mia Kerollis.
At Steinert’s Music in Motion competition the Nottingham Marching Unit beat Hamilton West while wearing ghoulish face paint to fit the theme of the show. The Marching Unit received its best score of a 77.2 at the Music in Motion competition, but members are always seeking to improve. Drum major Evan Vistoso told Star Status, “I think the performance at Steinert was a decent performance. We had a good amount of energy but we could have put more out there.”
In the following weeks the Marching Unit has been working tirelessly to improve its performance in time for the state championship. The Nottingham Marching Unit will be competing at Union High School on Oct 30, 2021 for the state championship. Good luck and perform your best Northstars!
The Marching Unit has chosen “Paranormal” for its 2021 field show. The show, composed by Gary P. Gilroy, “is the darkest show we have ever done,” says Mrs. Klek. “We usually go for something more lighthearted, but I think this theme works well this year.” The show was selected after the directors considered several shows. Mrs. Klek told Star Status, “We look for something that is challenging and plays to our strengths and is appropriate for our size. Sometimes, this takes weeks.”
“Paranormal” is one of the heavier and challenging pieces for the Marching Unit, especially after a year without a marching season. “I love the theme of the show and I hope that by the end of the season we can have a spooky show that will make peoples' jaws hit the floor,” said drum major Evan Vistoso. The show features three movements: “Unexplained Noises,” “Séance,” and “Get Out.” The show is primarily brass centered, but the audience is also treated to a more woodwind-centered movement in “Séance.”
There are several interesting and captivating aspects of “Paranormal,” such as the dramatic pauses preceding impact moments, thrilling crash cymbals, rapid runs from the front ensemble, and an interesting ⅞ section. With a show as thrilling as Paranormal it can be difficult to perform. Section leader Makenna Fowler explained, “The almost constant dissonance adds tension and the impact moments are really interesting when played correctly. Performances of this show require a lot of energy to keep the audience captivated.” Nevertheless, the Marching Unit is always improving impact moments, musicality, drill and more with every practice.
This season the color guard tells the story of a group of friends over for a fun night in, where they hear unexplained noises, perform a seance, and are chased around the house by the spirits. The story progresses with the three movements of the show. The color guard performs flag and rifle tosses, flourishes, a séance, and a quick change by Mia Kerollis.
At Steinert’s Music in Motion competition the Nottingham Marching Unit beat Hamilton West while wearing ghoulish face paint to fit the theme of the show. The Marching Unit received its best score of a 77.2 at the Music in Motion competition, but members are always seeking to improve. Drum major Evan Vistoso told Star Status, “I think the performance at Steinert was a decent performance. We had a good amount of energy but we could have put more out there.”
In the following weeks the Marching Unit has been working tirelessly to improve its performance in time for the state championship. The Nottingham Marching Unit will be competing at Union High School on Oct 30, 2021 for the state championship. Good luck and perform your best Northstars!