As the moon began to rise, so did Manville High School’s competitive spirit on Thursday, October 3rd. With the Manville High School football team being pitted against New Providence, it was time for the Manville Marching Band to perform. Prior to the game however, rain began to pour- ultimately causing complications for the Manville Marching Band. Despite the weather complications, the Manville Marching Band still performed and assisted in raising the morale of the Manville football team throughout the game.

The Manville Marching Band played a variety of songs with “Toe Jam” being the most frequent. Mr. Espinera, the director and advisor of the Manville Marching Band, made it his responsibility to provide musical support to not only the football players themselves, but also their parents attending the football game. 

When the weather is ideal, the Manville Marching Band performs during half-time. Unfortunately, the football game took place after rain had just occurred, so the grounds in which the game took place was wet. Some of the instruments that the Marching Band uses are susceptible to being wet, most notably the woodwind instruments. To prevent any of these instruments from being damaged, the Manville Marching Band had to cancel their performance and sit on the bleachers throughout the game. However, instead of simply sitting on the bleachers, the Marching Band decided to play music throughout the game.

The band accompanying the New Providence football team also played music for the duration of the game. What ensued was a musical “provocation” and music “challenge” between the two accompanying bands. The Manville Marching Band and the New Providence Band took turns playing specific songs across the field. There was some overlap that occurred while the bands were playing, nonetheless, music was played. 

Mackenzie Brown stated, ¨[w]e didn’t want to just sit there.” The Marching Band had been practicing their performance for a long period of time. Despite not being able to perform, the Marching Band still enjoyed themselves and played their part.