WHS Marching Band

Under the direction of Music Director Steven Spinosa, the Weehawken High School Marching Band, has enjoyed a very successful 2006 Fall season. This year’s field show is entitled, "Cirque du Soliel... La Nouba". The music was unanimously selected by the students who thought the show would be a challenge when adapted for the football field. This season, the group has won four Group 1 First Place Trophies in a row competing against school bands throughout New Jersey and New York. They also received a Best Colorguard, Best Percussion, Best Marching and Best Music award in every contest they have competed in.

In October, the band participated in the prestigious "Yamaha Cup", sponsored by the United States Scholastic Band Championship in Giants Stadium. The band competed against bands from across the tri-state area. The band earned a first place trophy, garnering a 79.6 score in the Group 1 Open Class Marching Band category. This was the first time the band has ever enjoyed a championship trophy at Giants Stadium.

The band is composed of over 50 high school students who dedicate a tremendous amount of their time and talent to marching and music. The band rehearses three days a week after school for two hours. "We're very proud of our students," said director Steven Spinosa. "All of them work hard and truly understand that they're not in competition with other schools, as much as they are with themselves. We try to make each performance better than our last as we strive for our personal best." Much of this year's success must go the band's teaching staff. Assistant Band Director, Mrs. MaryEllen Spinosa, and Colorguard Instructor, Ms. Michele Giorgio have done a wonderful job throughout the year preparing the students. Also, the percussion students have been tutored by Mr. Tom Mulvaney, an artist in residency, sponsored by the Weehawken Board of Education.

According to Spinosa, our student participation in the marching band is much greater proportionally than those of some of the area's larger schools. "While teaching for over 20 years at Weehawken High School, I'm very fortunate to have administrators who realize the importance of music education as well as marching education," he said. "With our recent success, not only have our numbers increased, but so has our level of dedication, professionalism and musicianship."

The Weehawken HS Marching Band involves itself in many engagements and performances throughout the state which include the Hoboken St. Patrick's Day Parade, The Seaside Heights Clownfest Parade, and the Weehawken Day Festival. The band will soon begin preparations for the Spring 2007 marching season. The band will also be auditioning for a possible performance in Walt Disney World, Florida next spring. You can find out more about the marching band by contacting Steven Spinosa, at Weehawken High School.

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