Valley Stream’s three high school marching bands performed at their annual festival Monday night at Firemen’s Memorial Field, capping roughly two months of preparation that began in early September. liherald.com reported the event showcased weeks of practice through performances blending music and school spirit.
North High School opened its “Light Up the Night” show with Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night,” also featuring songs by Kanye West and The Weeknd. Band director Angelica Ansbacher said students were drawn to recognizable songs, and the selection process was student-led, with members proposing themes and helping choose music.
South High School took a funk-inspired approach with “Funky Falcons,” developed with input from senior trumpet player Aiden Ashby. South band director Dan Creegan said he had considered a funk-themed show for years, and Ashby’s suggestion provided the opportunity. Central High School presented a K-pop theme that band director Doug Coleman developed after hearing “Soda Pop.”
Directors said the coronavirus pandemic disrupted students’ musical development, leaving returning musicians at varying experience levels. Coleman, who began teaching in Valley Stream in 1995 and became Central’s band director in 2000, said rebuilding required adapting his teaching to individual needs. Creegan said this year’s South band is among the strongest he has seen in recent years.
Coleman said holding the festival in Valley Stream makes it easier for families to attend and watch their children perform.
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