The West Haven High School Band has a motto: “With Pride,” and you can hear that every time they step on the field. 

The band is a full-year group that also has class during school. The class covers both marching band in the fall and concert band in the winter and spring. The marching band performs during halftime at home football games, and also plays in the stands throughout the night. The marching band’s season is well underway, having started late in the summer with its annual week of Band Camp, additionally meeting once a week after school for rehearsal.

This year, the theme of their halftime show is “Riot: The Sounds of the Revolution,” a nod to the rise of alternative rock in the 90s. The show has three main movements, featuring hits like “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit and “Uprising” by Muse.

The band is directed by Donata Lupacchino, but also has student leaders in three categories, drum majors, section leaders, and office managers. Section leaders host practices, or sectionals, for their section about once a month. Additionally, these student leaders often take the lead for the first half of rehearsal, before the entire ensemble comes together on the field. Head Drum Major April Corona, section leader Amanda Fagnani, and flag bearer Gabi Rivas shared their excitement for the band’s performance in the video you see here.

https://www.wevideo.com/view/3574470065

Director Ms. Lupacchino said she’s really excited for this year’s show.

“I think this year’s half-time show is a really great collaboration where alternative music and punk-rock music combine,” she said.

The band’s next performance is on October 18th when the football team hosts Branford. The game starts at 6 pm, but the band marches down at 5. Feel free to go support them. Tickets are available online.

If you have any questions or are interested in joining the band, feel free to stop by in room H106 to talk to Ms. Lupacchino. The band is always looking for new, dedicated students who want to commit to something new.