Marching band overhauls to formal drum-corps-style with color guard

Kittatinny - Kittatinny Regional High School’s marching band and color guard hit a high note this month. About 50 students in grades 8-12 marched onto the football field for the premiere of the school’s drum-corps style marching band and its spruced-up color guard. Spectators roared as the musicians — stepping in choreographed rhythm — dazzled them with two songs from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The performance was not only a first for the blue ribbon school district; the performance marked a victory for high school band director Jarred Matthes and the hard-working band members. “They’re really great kids. I’ve been watching them interact with each other across all the age groups all summer long,” said Debbie Cook, mother of freshman mellophone player Scott Cook. Despite long hours of practice that started four months ago, band members still felt jittery moments before they launched into their first note. “We just lived in the moment,” said Andrea Kozlowski, a Fredon junior and president of the marching band. For years, Kittatinny had a pep band that sat in the football stands during games. When Matthes joined the school staff in 2005, he set his sights on creating a marching band that actually would move to the beat as it played during half-time shows. He shared his idea with the nine pep band members, and the plan slowly gathered steam. In 2005, a growing group of band members attended the Collegiate Marching Band Festival and saw some of the best performers in the northeast. “That started to light the fire about how cool it is when marching band is done right,’’ Matthes said. Soon, nearly 50 students committed to joining the band despite the rigorous practice schedule: 15 hours a week, an August rookie camp, and an intensive summer day camp that sometimes lasted until late at night. The hard work paid off, according to Stillwater senior and drum major Michael Hayden. “It was so amazing to see everybody going out and doing their best. You could see the excitement in their eyes,” he said. Katrina Franck, another drum major from Sandyston, said the band has found a special kind of harmony. “I love all the kids in this band,” she said. Superintendent Robert Walker and Kittatinny Principal Susan Kappler both marvel at Matthes’ accomplishments. “Due to his love of music and his ability to inspire young musicians, we have seen a steady increase in the number of students who want to participate in marching band,” said Kappler. “Playing music that everyone enjoys is great for the students.” The color guard has undergone a revival under the leadership of math teacher Stephanie Hontz. “Our color guard is creating a new sense of style and ceremony at Kittatinny. We spin, twirl, dance, march and honor our nation’s colors. Our guard enjoys a unique mix of artistic, athletic and patriotic expression. We try to do it all with flair and style,” Hontz said. “When the guard looks good, the band looks better, and Kittatinny looks great.”