LHS, along with several other schools, helped wrap up the 55th Annual Newsday Marching Band Festival on its final day, Thursday, Oct. 19. Both the marching band and varsity kickline put on performances at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale.

While the performances may have seemed effortless to the untrained eye, the band and kickline have been preparing since school started, staying on track with weekly rehearsals that became even more frequent as the event neared. In fact, the marching band and kickline only had the chance to have three dress rehearsals to put the show together. Band Teacher Brain White began writing and planning the production during the summer in order to find a music selection that best highlighted the band’s abilities. Early preparation was also done by Orchestra Teacher Alyssa White, who helped organized the school’s color guard, and Robin Manza, who coaches varsity kickline. Although the noncompetitive environment emphasized the accomplishments in all the routines presented, many of those who attended agreed that, as stated by junior Danny Neri, “Lynbrook was among the top performances of the night.” Neri added enthusiastically, “I had a fantastic time performing!”

Before the festivities even began, Mitchel Field was already packed with Lynbrook supporters who were anticipating an exciting night of cheering and pride. Senior band member John Krendel agreed saying, “As usual, after a month and a half of hard work, the Lynbrook show was amazing. The band was cheered on during the whole performance by family and friends dressed in their Lynbrook clothing.” Sophomore band member Eric Levine agreed saying, “The event was very cool because all of the hard work that went into memorizing the songs and marching paid off in the end, and we were able to display it to our Lynbrook fans and other towns as well.”

Sophomore Rachel Campanile commented on the performance by saying, “The event was overall a fun experience because both groups bonded over the performance and the cold weather. The outcome was genuinely successful because of how cohesive the kickline dance was with the band.”

Joseph Pallotta, director of the fine and performing arts, said, “Knowing all in attendance are there to see them really helps to elevate each performance, and this year was no exception. All of the shows were extremely well prepared and received.”