Stepping Off with Mr. Bud: Middletown North, Long Branch

I got to see the Middletown North Orange Wave Marching Band this past weekend, and I must say, I was very impressed. Mrs. Beth Lyon, who is in her 8th year as Band Director, has done a remarkable job, in building Middletown HS North into a powerhouse of a marching band.

Assistant Director is Miss Abigail Bayer.
Color Guard Instructor isMiss Kim Murphy.
Drill Writer is Mr. Christopher Burbank.
Drum Majors are Simon Mandel and Arnelia Ainbinder, and the
Color Guard Captain is Maria Bonnasissa.

There were 54 students on the field that displayed confidence, musicality, showmanship and wonderful field presence. I hope, if you get the opportunity, you will go out, and check these guys out.

The band’s show this year is James Bond: License to Thrill – featuring Skyfall and Live and Let Die.

The Orange Wave band is dedicating their entire season to a former Orange Wave member who passed away this summer. Kelly Travis personified the meaning of this band and dedicated her entire high school career to making this ensemble the best it could be.

This is the the Orange Wave’s most successful season to date. They have never classified themselves as a competitive band, but after their success this season, that might need to be a rethought. The band competed 3 times this season. At Toms River East on September 24th, 2016, the band left with a strong 2nd place and taking the caption of Best Music.

At Jackson Memorial on October 8th, 2016, the heavy, consistent rain forced a stand still performance where the Orange Wave took 2nd place again, in addition to again taking the caption of Best Music. At their final competition at Old Bridge on October 30th, 2016 the Orange Wave had their best outing of the season and clinched a solid First Place victory, and taking the awards for Best Music, Best Marching, Best General Effect, Best Percussion and Best Color Guard.

Spotlight on the Drum Major

Name: Aryahn Covin
School: Long Branch High School
Band: The Spirit of the Green Wave

Long Branch High School prides itself on traditions that have been around since the inception of the school in the early 1900’s. The Sprit of the Green Wave has represented Long Branch in competitions and at many games throughout time. This year we are pleased and honored that Aryahn Covin has been selected as drum major of Long Branch High School’s Spirit of the Green Wave for the 2016 season.

Aryahn decided at a young age to follow in her family’s musical history, and began playing the clarinet in the 3rd grade. She chose clarinet in order to follow in her mother and grandmother’s footsteps who also played the same instrument. Her mother was also a member of the Spirit of the Green Wave and a 4-year All-Shore Band Member.

After performing as a member of the band during her first 3 years of high school, Aryahn auditioned for the leadership position of drum major last May. Arayahn said “it was exciting and nerve wracking to audition. It’s different being a leader after learning how to be a member of the band.” Aryahn has proved her ability to be a leader as she led the band into competition on the USBands circuit as well as performances at football games and civic events.

Her most memorable performance was the first time she played on the field and performed for the Long Branch crowd. Arayahn reflected, “The crowd and the cheerleaders were into the performance. The band sounded and looked great that night.” The band receives a great deal of support from the school system, the home football crowd, the cheerleaders and the football team.

When asked about the best part of leading the band, Aryahn had numerous answers. She spoke of assisting band members, incorporating student ideas and giving motivation speeches. When asked about how the hard work and dedication has paid off Aryahn said, “Winning first place! That was special”. Long Branch High School is proud to put Aryahn Covin in the spotlight as drum major because she has proved herself to be an exemplary leader and a wonderful representative of their school.

Updated Results:

Congrats to Toms River North Marching Band who won the Group 4A National Championships in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Mariners scored a new ACC record of 91.41, placing 1st in 4Am winning their very first Atlantic Coast Championship in school history. Toms River North also swept all captions in their group.

Congrats to Jackson Memorial Marching Band who overtook Jackson Liberty for the first time this past weekend at Robbinsville High School, by scoring a 92.575 to a 92.275. Winning the award in Visual Performance, Color Guard and Percussion, propelled the Jaguars.

Liberty Lions won the Music Individual, Music Ensemble and General Effect captions.
Other local groups included: Howell Township 87.575, Freehold 82.975, Lacey Township 83.025 respectively.

Over at the Brick Township Band Competition, in Group IIIA the Toms River East Raider Band regained their prowess by scoring a 1st place victory 85.700, Long Branch 84.100 and Raritan 82.325.

In Group IVA Point Pleasant scored an 87.225 winning all captions, and in Group IVOpen, Brick Memorial scored a 93.275

Best of luck to several Shore bands as they travel to Allentown, Pennsylvania to the National Championships this weekend: Brick Township, Shore Regional, Long Branch, Toms River East, Jackson Memorial, Manchester Township, Point Pleasant Boro, and Allentown High School Band.