Wantagh High School’s 7th Annual Band Day was held on Saturday, January 12th. This year, the number of students who attended Band Day was especially large; 105 students from grades 4-9, including all of the elementary schools, the middle school, and high school. The day culminated with a performance including both the younger students as well as the Wantagh High School Wind Ensemble.

Band Day is the annual event in which Mrs. Dragovich, Mr. Aviles, and the High School Band Council invite younger students to come to the high school for a day of music. The day began with a performance by the Wantagh High School Percussion Ensemble. The piece was entitled, “Thunder and Lightning,” by Carl Strommen. Following the performance, the students were split by instrument that they play. Instrumental lessons were then held by Wind Ensemble students.

After a break for lunch, the students were treated with a performance by the “Gangngai Style” cast: Brandon Ngai, Ryan Reyes, and Paulina Renda. They showed the kids how to do the “Gangnam” dance. Next, the Wind Ensemble joined for a Festival Band rehearsal.

Finally, it was time for the concert to conclude a wonderful day. The Festival Band performed 4 selections: “Visions of Aranjuez,” by Mark Williams, “A Song of Hope,” by James Swearingen, “The Addams Family,” by Vic Mizz, and “The Incredibles,” by Michael Giacchino. In addition, the Wind Ensemble performed, “Shooting Stars,” by Richard Saucedo.

Wantagh High School Senior, Erica Ascher, commented on her love for Band Day, “I really enjoy coming to Band Day every year. It’s a treat to be able to pass on my love for music to younger kids. Having been to all seven Band Days, I have been able to watch as this event has grown exponentially.”