The Saddle Brook High School Marching Band has completed another successful season. The band puts on amazing shows in front of large crowds all fall and we all benefit from the entertainment they consistently deliver at a high level. Their performances are always top notch under the leadership of Mr. Ortega. This year Marinelle Payabyab is leading the band as a senior and veteran band member. We interviewed Marinelle to find out about her and this year's band.
What made you want to become a musician?
I started my interest in becoming a musician in fourth grade when my elementary school music teacher, Mrs. Schwartz, opened the world of music and instrumentalism to me through engaging in playing a musical instrument which I have now been playing for roughly nine years, the clarinet. Starting out as a young nine year old in elementary school, I did not exactly understand the value of music and the emotion that could be portrayed through different pieces of music. As I’ve grown older and matured in my taste and knowledge about music, I’ve come to understand the significance of each piece that is created and I, from time to time, get moved by the sound of music. Had I not started at a younger age, I believe my interest in this topic would not have come off as strong or meaningful to me as it does now and I truly value the experience I have developed over the years.
Which instruments do you play in the high school band? What is your role now?
The instruments I played in high school band were mainly clarinet, and some tenor saxophone as well as a bit of guitar for my first year in jazz band. As a member of many programs within the music association my leadership has evolved from librarian, band manager, and now Drum Major of the Saddle Brook High School Marching Band as of 2022-23.
What music did the band play this year? How has it gone?
The music that the band has played this year so far has mainly been marching band music. Our theme this year was “Queen” and our songs involved Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Under Pressure, Don’t Stop Me Now, Crazy Little Thing called Love, and We Are the Champions. As the season has ended, it has gone wonderfully. Despite our few missteps in the beginning of the season, the overall leadership including Alan Pinzon (Assistant Drum Major), Natalia Chahine (Drum Major), and myself (Drum Major) have helped the band grow and learn their music and technique for the final few performances.
SBHS
BAND
BREAKDOWN
SBHS
BAND
BREAKDOWN