GAME DAY 2018

Northside Blue Wind Band
To Cry Haka
Story by KRISTIN MORIARTY
Northside High School’s Blue Wind Band is not only
performing one show this marching band season, but
two. Band Director Chuck Herron said the first show
will be for the Friday night lights crowd.
“We will be performing some fun, energetic tunes
that hopefully the crowds will enjoy,” Herron said. “The
first two tunes we’ll change out every so many games,
but we will always keep, “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” by
Blue Oyster Cult, and yes, we plan to perform it full on
Will Ferrell Style (he said laughing). The kids are really
excited about it.”
The second show, which is the band’s competitive
show, is based on the war dance of “The Haka.” The
Haka, according to several online sources, is a type
of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the
battlefield, as well as when groups came together in
peace. Actions include foot-stomping and rhythmic
slapping to accompany a loud chant. The words of
Haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in
the tribe’s history.
Performance
photos from 2017 Band
Night at the McConnell-Talbert Stadium.
Today it is still used during Māori ceremonies and
celebrations to honor guests and show the importance
of the occasion. Haka is also used to challenge
opponents on the sports field, which Herron said most
of the show’s influence will be from New Zealand’s
rugby team.
“The band will be doing the Haka dance during the
show,” Herron said. “It’s going to be a great show and
very percussion driven. We’ve got some special effects
that we’re keeping under wraps right now, so everyone
will have to come out and see.”
The Northside Blue Wind Band is marching 180
again this year. Herron said that their camp has gone
extremely well.
“These students came prepared to work,” said Herron.
“They have, as always, put in a lot of hard work in this
middle Georgia heat. I appreciate every single one of
them. They take time out of their summer vacations
and commit to being the best. My ultimate goal is to
create a great atmosphere and experience for the kids
to make memories. Yes, we are here to teach them how
to make music and express themselves in a healthy
positive way, but it’s also about the friendships and
bonds they build.”
This year the band will be traveling to Washington,
D.C. to perform. Herron said they will either perform
at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial or the World War II
Memorial. The band will also have several new looks
this year; Herron said the band has five new jackets
that they will interchange throughout the season.
Modeling the
new uniforms (left to right)
is Kathryn Brown – clarinet section leader, Carolina
Acevedo – second drum major, Makenna Westberry-Nix – head drum
major, Autumn Harris – first drum major, and James Stephens – baritone player.
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