Pride and Passion is an organized event hosted at Whippany Park; it is a chance for Memorial Junior School students to collaborate with the Whippany Park marching band. It takes place every year around mid-November, concluding the Marching Band season. Within this event, high school band students are often assigned a partner from the middle school to pair up with and play music alongside. This allows each student of different grades to connect with those older or younger than them.
At around 7:00 p.m., students of Memorial Junior Middle School’s band perform their own selection of songs. During their performance, the high school students are given plenty of time to prepare to make an entrance! They are soon given their cue to march in while the drumline delivers a beat. Once the high school band is ready, they start with their halftime show performance. After a few stand tunes are played, the middle school students line up with the high school band to perform. Ultimately, the middle and high school students collaborate to perform a selection of music together.
This family-friendly event welcomes and prepares younger grades for the years to come in the high school band. Not only is it a fun way to connect with other grades, but also serves as an opportunity to get to know the band directors, Mr. Sabatino and Mr. Sciaino. Students are exposed to the color guard coaches, as well as the many volunteers who help guide the students in the band. Food and drinks, such as pizza, water, and sweets are provided by the parent volunteers of Whippany Park.
Although this event is not your typical way of spending a school night, it leaves a huge impact on both the performers and the audience! It is a night you simply can not forget.
