Sunday, November 6, ended the regular season year for the Chargers’ Marching Band,
with an exhibition in Allentown, New Jersey. While this ended their official season, their
last performance was at the Chargers’ home play-off game on Saturday, November 12.
This season was also the first time the band performed a ‘fifth quarter.’ Rather than the
band seniors being honored with the football team, dance team, and cheerleaders,
before the game on November 5, the band honored their seniors directly following the
game. Senior’s names were announced as their families cheered from the field, before a
second performance. Many seniors appreciated this unique opportunity.
Drum major, Kaelyn Passeri says, “As a senior, it is awesome to get recognized for the
dedication and commitment we have all put into this for four years.”
Fellow drum major Will Ciccone agrees saying, “It was another day full of emotions, but
it was worth it and I can’t thank Jason enough for that opportunity.”
When all of the performances were said and done, it was a very emotional time for many
of the seniors.
“As a senior, the season ending is so bittersweet. I wish I could perform forever,” says
Passeri.
Senior Jenna Racz says, “I feel like I took the whole thing for granted. All of a sudden it
was over and I was brining my trumpet home for the last time.” She continues saying, “I
now truly understand what is meant when they say you don’t know what you’ve got until
it’s gone.”
Senior Jennifer Montessaro reflects on her past seasons saying, “Seeing this band grow
in my four years has been such an amazing experience and I cannot wait to come back as
an alumni next year, and for years to come, and see how huge and amazing it will be.”
In this bittersweet, whirlwind of emotion, the seniors took the time to reflect on their
favorite moments from their last season.
Racz describes her favorite part as an exhibition performance when it was pouring rain.
Many high schoolers came out to see the performance any way, standing in the rain until
the last member was off the field. “I felt like a rock star, and I know that’ll probably
never happen again,” she says.
Passeri says her favorite moment was the last football game, “When we played the show
music in the stand together there was such a positive and electric vibe.”
“I enjoyed running around the stands and recording “WillTV. I am just really going to
miss the game day environment,” says Ciccone, who used a Go-Pro to capture moments
of joy and laughter with his band family.
Each senior also had their own wise words of wisdom to share with the band before a
final goodbye.
Racz, simply and powerfully says, “I want students to never settle.” While Passeri
discusses passion, “Let passion be your driving force. Let that feeling in your heart flow
out onto the field.”
Ciccone ends with, “Follow your dreams. You cannot forget to have fun and enjoy it too.”
He leaves with a message saying, “I want to thank Jason DeGroff for an amazing season
and believing in me to stop up in my role. I want to thank the band for welcoming me
back with open arms. To all the band parents who come so early and cook us breakfast
before games or help with exhibitions, all of these people are the reason us Marching
Chargers call ourselves, and why others call us, the best band in the world.”
