By Norah Jewett ’25
It’s no secret that many of the enjoyable opportunities offered at the high school weren’t accessible due to the pandemic. However, the Beverly High School Marching Band returns, playing at the first football game in nearly two years.
On Saturday, September 11th, was the first home game for the BHS varsity football team. The marching band, with only a few dates of practice previously, marched with pride from the high school to Hurd Stadium. The band opened with “Armed Forces on Parade,” the BHS School Song, and “the Star Spangled Banner.” Throughout the game, the band played “Shipping Up to Boston,” “What Is Love,” and a few other crowd favorites up in the stands, keeping the merry atmosphere that afternoon.
The halftime show this season features “All Along the Watchtower” and “Burning Down the House,” the songs chosen to replicate the early panic of the pandemic, and later the cabin fever of staying cut off from society for so long.
“I really enjoy the music we play. It feels very symbolic,” tenor saxophone player Julia Chirco explains.
“It’s nice to be part of such a fun atmosphere where we all have something in common,” Cadyn Hollingsworth, an alto saxophone player states. “You’re easily able to make good friends.”
“The marching is a sharp contrast to the playing we did during middle school band, but I really enjoy it,” clarinet player Jacob Johnson says.
The band is excited to be back this year, and if you’re interested in football or band, be sure to check one of the games out!
Image Credit: @bhspanthermusic on Instagram
