Barnegat High School Marching Bengals
editThe Barnegat High School Marching Bengals were founded in 2005 by directors Todd Gagnon, Anthony Orecchio and guard instructor Michael Haughwout. The ensemble, comprised of a band (winds) drumline, pit and color guard, is the official marching unit for Barnegat High School. It is the largest and most publicly visible performing ensemble at the high school. The band has grown from 16 winds, one percussionist and 8 guard in 2005 to the present 28 winds, 7 drum line and pit percussion, and 15 guard members. The Marching Bengals perform at varsity football games, pep rallies, parades, and other school and community events. They also compete in the Tournament of Bands each fall.
Band Staff
editThe marching Bengals band staff has changed slightly each season since it's creation in 2005. The following is the leadership history from 2005 to the present:
2005-2007
Todd Gagnon – Head Director
Anthony Orecchio – Assistant director
Michael Haughwout – Guard Instructor
Kristen Feather – Assistant Guard instructor
2007-2008
Todd Gagnon – Head Director
Erin Oconnell - Assistant director
Michael Haughwout – Guard Instructor
Kristen Feather – Assistant Guard instructor
2008-2009
Todd Gagnon – Head Director
Michael Haughwout – Assistant director
Kristen Feather –Guard instructor
Past Shows
editEach fall, the Band prepares a halftime show for varsity football games and TOB competitions. Past shows include:
2005 – Eye of the Tiger
2006 – John Williams
2007- Phantom of the Opera
2008 – Disney’s Fantasmic!
Students Leadership
editThe Band is largely run by the students-leaders within the unit. These include Drum Majors, Guard Captain, and Section Leaders. In order to hold these positions, students must pass through a rigorous audition and interview process. This takes place each May to prepare for the following fall season. To quality to audition, as student must have participated in the ensemble for two full consecutive seasons. As part of the audition process candidates are evaluated on their musical abilities through a playing and conduction audition. Marching technique and drill calling are also evaluated. Guard Captain candidates must choreograph a routine and also teach it to others as part of their audition. Finally a short essay and an interview with the staff concludes the audition process.
Rehearsals
editPrior to their official season, the band has three evening music rehearsals in late August. The following week is Band Camp, held on the Barnegat High campus. During the season, the band rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:30. On Fridays, rehearsals begin at 2:00, usually followed by a performance at a football game. Saturday rehearsals occur the morning of a competition, and are schedules as such. Tuesdays and Thursdays are used for sectional rehearsals, and are called as needed.
"The Black Comet
editThe Black Comet is the nickname of the Band's specially customized equipment bus. The bus is a restored retired school bus. It includes an enlarged front section to accommodate a hydraulic lift built into the passenger side. The bus is black with bright orange bengal stripes, and features the Marching Bengal logo and lettering on each side. Photos of the bus can be seen on the Fine Arts page of the Barnegat High School website.