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Heritage Music Festival

Congratulations to the NHS Concert Band and Director Joe Nuccio, who recently competed in the Heritage Music Festival in Philadelphia, PA, where they were awarded a Gold Medal for their outstanding performance. A gold medal is awarded for scores higher than 90, with the max being 100.

The NHS Concert Band was also the sole recipient of the "Spirit of Philadelphia Award". This award represesents the "school who best represents their school and community at the festival". The Spirit Award is voted on by festival coordinators and judges with input from management of hotels stayed at, restaurants visited, etc. Pictured above are four NHS seniors who attended the festival: Avery Dwyer, Austin Lanham, Kyle Uhlig and David Lansing.

State Marching Band Finals

The Clippers put on a wonderful performance at the State Marching Band Finals and received a bronze medal and 3 stars for Good Overall Performance. This was after receiving a 2 star rating in the preliminary competition in Wakefield earlier this fall.The Clippers were in competition with ten other bands from Division I (bands with up to 40 members).

Congratulations Clippers!

Also this fall the Clipper Band provided the opening ceremonies music for the Special Olympics held at Governor’s Academy.

Why should I join the NHS Band?

Band is fun! There are many concerts, football games, and trips…but the most important element is what you gain through an understanding of music. Without the arts, your education is not a complete package. When you get out in the ‘real world’, you’ll need skills in dealing with people, understanding the connection between cause and effect, and learning to deal with everyday situations. Music education helps to prepare you for such needs.

Can I join band if I’ve never played before?

If you wish to join band but have no experience we will recommend that you take private lessons in order to catch up. But we will make a place for you if you are willing to put in the time necessary to learn an instrument.

What if I have no marching experience?

Most band members come into band with little or no marching experience. Although we don’t march all the time, it’s important that you learn to march correctly, just as you learn to play your instruments correctly. Don’t worry, we’ll teach you as long as you are committed to the program! In band there is no “bench”. Everyone is a starter in NHS Band.

Did you know that in formal studies students who take music education in secondary schools:

• Raise their SAT scores, on the national average, 61 point for verbal and 46 points for math
• Show a 46% boost in their spatial reasoning IQ
• Develop cognitive and basic skills
• Increase interest in academic learning
• Receive higher grade point averages
• Develop academic achievement skills
• Develop faster physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially
• Improve listening skills
• Have high self-perception and cognitive competence
• Improve reading, mathematics, and history skills
• Improve hand-eye coordination
• Reduce discipline problems
• Learn responsibility, reliability, promptness, loyalty, and a good work ethic

The National College Board identifies art as one of the six basic academic subject areas students should study in order to succeed in college.

Taking band at Newburyport High School is a good sound investment of a student’s time and effort. This is why there are literally millions of students nation-wide that are involved in high school music programs.

NHS Band FAQ’s

Is Band a Full-Year course?

Yes. You earn 5 credits per year.

Is marching band part of the requirement?

Yes. Since we have no “separate” marching band, all band members participate in all performances, including football games, parades and concerts.

Can I play fall sports if I’m in the band?

Yes. More than half the current band members play at least one sport.

What about additional rehearsals?

In addition to our daytime classes, the band rehearses one night per week (occasionally two) in the fall to work on our halftime show. Rehearsals are two hours in length.

What are some other performances that the band does?

In addition to those already mentioned, the NHS Band has provided music for the Special Olympics at Governors Academy, the Santa parade, Yankee Homecoming, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, the Newburyport Golden Agers, Mayoral Inaugurations, and dedications for the City Library and the MBTA station. We have also participated in Band Day at UMass Amherst, and numerous local and national marching band, concert band and jazz band festivals.

What about scholarships?

The band awards two scholarships each year to dedicated senior members. In addition, many colleges make scholarships available to deserving high school musicians.

Will I make new friends?

You’ll make dozens of new friends – from all four grades – before school even opens in September!

Questions?

Call the Band Office at 978-465-4440 ext. 5040 or e-mail Band Director Joe Nuccio