About the Program
New Palestine competes in various invitationals around Central Indiana, and in the ISSMA Open B circuit. Groups in the ISSMA circuit can compete at Regional, Semi-State, and State Finals if they qualify. New Palestine has made it to State Finals twice, once in 2007 (competing in Class C) , and recently in 2021 with their show "Riddle Me This." Aside from competitions on the weekends, you can catch the Marching Dragons play fun stand tunes and perform their show during half time at NPHS varsity football games! "Fix You"The Marching Dragon's 2023 show was entitled "Fix You," featuring the music "Fix You" by Coldplay and "Amazing Grace." The show "Fix You" is about the brokenness that we carry, and learning that brokenness and pain creates beauty and is part of the human experience. Movement 1 opens the show with idea of how we become broken and the anger that comes with it. Movement 2 moves to the emotional and heartbreaking ballad of "Amazing Grace" with layers of "Fix You" to create a vulnerable and power message of how brokenness creates unmeasurable beauty, and represents the process of picking up the pieces after pain. Movement 3 closes the show and heals the brokenness to show how to move forward after hurting, and how it shapes each person. Overall, "Fix You" was a truly fantastic and emotional show that spoke to audience members on a level unlike others.
Student Testimony: Me!
I started band in sixth grade at Lebanon Middle School in Lebanon, IN. I decided I wanted to play french horn, because I had heard that it was a hard instrument and I wanted to be challenged. I played throughout middle school, and I still play horn today. I was in color guard in seventh grade, so I wasn't interested in marching an instrument until eighth grade when I moved to New Pal. Freshman year, I decided to join marching band, playing the mellophone. Unfortunately, the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, so my first season was in 2021 with the show "Riddle Me This." That first season was very challenging for me, as I was also in my first year of show choir and was still on the cross country team. But I loved making friends with all the people in band. Making state that year was such a fun experience, and while I'm sad we haven't gone to State Finals since, I'm so happy I had that opportunity. I continued with marching band during the 2022 show "Cosmosis," and was excited to start my senior year season. While I enjoyed marching band, playing mellophone was never my favorite. I always had joked about how Mr. Carney should let me sing in a show. Of course, I never thought that would happen. So you could imagine the shock and excitement I had when I was told that I wouldn't have to march mello or wear a marching uniform because I would be the vocal soloist for the 2023 show, "Fix You." At first, I couldn't even comprehend this. The fact that I would be able to combine marching band with my favorite thing in the world was crazy to me. I'm forever grateful that the Band staff had faith in me to do such a thing. It was so hard to keep it a secret (sorry Carney, I told so many people) because it was too exciting to keep to myself in the months before the show announcement. I also thought that the concept of the show, "Fix You," was the best idea in the seasons I've participated in. Of course I'm super biased, but the idea of brokenness, beauty, and healing was the perfect show design.
The final performance of "Fix You" at the NPHS Band Community Night was the most heart-wrenching performance of my life, even more emotional than at Regionals. It was so exciting to see the community come out to watch us one last time. I specifically remember crying at the end of the show and hearing everyone in Crimson Heat with me yelling "We love you Maddy!" I used to never be emotional about marching band, but this being my last year and my increased investment into the program, I can't help but to feel emotional even when writing this. I love marching band with all my heart, even when I say I hate it. Band feels like a family to me, and I wouldn't change anything about my experience. I have become a much more outgoing and strong-minded person because of band, and I think anyone interested in music or dance should consider participating as a wind player, front ensemble member, percussionist, or guard member! Yay Band! About M.U.S.I.C. SpotlightM.U.S.I.C. works to build up all programs within the arts in Southern Hancock Schools. We believe that all groups in the district deserve more recognition in the community, which is why I started Spotlight on my blog! Each extracurricular fine arts program at NPHS will be highlighted throughout the year to congratulate each group's success and expose students to opportunities available.
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Elementary MusicEach week, Ellie and I have gone to the elementary schools to help out in their music classes and encourage the arts to students! While our schedules don't allow us to help out in every class, we have been able to help out in many second, third, and fourth grade classes at both New Pal Elementary and Sugar Creek Elementary! Unfortunately, we have not made it to Brandywine yet due to faculty transitions, but we are planning to head their soon and make a positive impact on those students! Fall PerformancesThe music department has been very active in the community this fall! There have been multiple performances, competitions, parades, and other community events that will have a lasting effect on the future of the program. NPJH NIGHT
Lion's CLub EventsOn September, the Marching Band and both Show Choirs participated in the Lion's Club Parade, representing the community well! The band and guard performed the School Song, while the choirs passed out candy and played music performed at their Fall Spectacular. After the parade, the Choral Department went to the Lion's Club to run the Kid's Games during the event. While the activities at the Lion's Club were going on, the Show Choirs performed their fall pieces for attendees! It was great promotion for the Fall Spectacular the week after, and it was a great representation of the dedication and hard-work of each student. Kid's Camps The Color guard and Choir Programs both had Fall Camps to get students in elementary-junior high exposed to and interested in the arts! Both camps had many students from the community participate, and were huge successes! The Glitter Dragons' Fall Camp hosted about 30 students in 5th-8th grade. These students practiced fundamental dance and flag skills, and learned a routine to the song "Shake It Off," taught. by current color guard students. One week after the camp, the students had the opportunity to perform their routine before the NPHS Football Game! Each of these young ladies had an amazing performance, and now have the fundamental skills and crucial exposure to the program!
Fall Concert Season!My favorite time of year for the arts is the fall because of all the fall concerts! It's so exciting to debut the groups for the year, and see where each group grows from there. This year, I was able to attend/participate in the Junior High Band and Choir Concerts, the Choir Fall Spectacular, and the Band Fall Concert. All groups were absolutely fantastic and were able to show the community their hard work and undeniable talent! |
AuthorHi! My name is Maddy Stone, and I'm a senior at NPHS. Since elementary school I have been very passionate about music, and I want to share my love for music with others! Archives
December 2023
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