By Aahana Anupam and Adhya Balaji
The Prowler Arts Editors
Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Marching Band performed its show “Bound By Bones” at its annual Friends & Family Show at Basilone Memorial Field on Tuesday, September 17.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School Band Directors Nick Mossa and Dr. Tom Bourgault opened the performance with a speech on the theme of the night. Their speech explained that “Bound by Bones” is about moving from feeling trapped to breaking free.
The performers brilliantly conveyed this through a gradual buildup of movement and dynamics, with the first segment of their performance serving as an introduction to the show, giving the audience a sense of what was to come. The excited audience, composed of family and friends, responded to the performers’ energy with equal enthusiasm.
The second segment of their show conveyed a stronger sense of being trapped, with slower, more solemn music.
Finally, the band ended its night with a percussion feature that let the audience experience the chaos of feeling trapped. They executed this with a spectacular use of dynamics, using increased volume and speed to capture the theme.
The title “Bound by Bones” was also expressed through their props, which were enlarged bones and rifles. Between segments, the performers moved the props around, and various colored flags were used to enhance the performance's visual appeal.
The performers used colored flags and “bones” as props.
Additionally, the band replaced their old uniforms with newer ones, which have a more polished and formal appearance.
Senior Kashti Shah, one of the band's drum majors, shared her thoughts on the experience.
“The friends and family show is always the most memorable, and it was even more special for me this year as a senior and drum major. It’s so much fun to perform and be part of something bigger than yourself. I truly wouldn't change this experience for anything in the world.”
The performers used colored flags and “bones” as props.
Senior Aaron Persky, one of the front ensemble captains, shared his thoughts about his experience.
“It was great to show off the work and the hours we’ve put into the season so far, and I’m excited to look back after our last competition and see how much more we’ve grown as an ensemble and as musicians.”
The final segment of the show is still in the works, and those who wish to see it can attend any of the band’s upcoming performances, including the halftime show on Friday, September 18, for the football team’s game with Ridge High School at Basilone Memorial Field, its first competition on Saturday, September 19, at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, or the Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan on Sunday, September 20. After a memorable first show, the band is off to a fantastic season.