WOODBURY — What did you do on Memorial Day weekend? Go to the beach? Sleep in? Work? Or did you have three performances like the Nonnewaug High music department? 

The students kicked off their weekend with a music festival Friday. The band, choir, and orchestra performed their spring concert songs for a panel of judges, including Damon Coachman and Rick Sadlon, both local professionals in the music industry. The orchestra and choir received silver, while the band received gold, the highest score that could be awarded. 

The judges both agreed that the groups had “great energy” and that it was “obvious time was put into [the music]” from what was left on their score sheets. 

Emily Lungarini on flute and Jeff Stein on guitar were awarded outstanding soloists for their respective group performances by the judges to finish the morning. 

After their workshop with the judges at the conclusion of the performances, the music department headed up to Six Flags New England to enjoy the park with other bands from across New England. 

Members of bands from as far away as New Hampshire mingled among Nonnewaug’s own musicians while waiting in lines, bonding over their passion for performing music and other interests they shared. 

“The Six Flags day was overall a great and fun experience for our group,” said Emma Cummings, sophomore euphonium player in the NHS band, “[between] the judges’ critiques and the time we got to bond and become closer not only through music but as friends.” 

Students had Saturday to spend with their families before the parade madness began.

On Sunday, the students switched from their theme park clothes to marching band uniforms complete with the feathers on their hats.

The band marched in the Woodbury parade performing the Armed Forces Medley. Members of the orchestra learned how to play the bass drum and snare drum to march alongside the band members. Members of the choir pitched in and carried the banners and flags as well as sang the Star-Spangled Banner in the ceremony. 

“It was the first live parade in three years,” said Dr. Jason Bouchard, NHS music director. “We unveiled the new marching uniforms and had people from the community reach out on how impressed they were with the performance the students put on.” 

The group performed Memorial Day as well for the Bethlehem parade and ceremony. Compliments poured in from spectators of the event. 

“I couldn’t walk more than two feet without being stopped by people of the crowd,” said Bouchard. “People said we sounded great and looked sharp [in the new uniforms].”  

On both days, the music students performed the Armed Forces Medley and the national anthem for the ceremonies. Christo Jamo and Owen Hale performed Taps as well to close the ceremonies. 

Many members of the music department were glad to give back to those that gave it all this weekend. Although they were unable to enjoy Memorial Day weekend like their peers, they were honored to help in celebrating those who gave it all.