By Aahan Anupam
Arts Editor, The Prowler
On the evening of Wednesday, September 10, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Marching Band started its performance season with its Family and Friends Invitational.
The call time for the band was around 5:30 p.m., and the members quickly set up on Basilone Memorial Field to rehearse as much as they could. Everyone was determined to perfect their music, as they wanted to put on the best show for their friends and families.
The Marching Band’s 2025 show, entitled “Spice,” takes the band and the audience on a journey through various types of spices.
The group’s first song, “Salt and Pepper”, represented the initial spices of the show, since they are common in various kinds of foods. “Cinnamon” was chosen as the title of their ballad, incorporating a jazzy vibe to represent its warmth. Lastly, their third song was titled “Cayenne,” which was a percussion section feature. The energetic and fast-paced movement represented the spiciness of a cayenne pepper.
The show performed for everyone that night was not completed, as there is still more to “Cayenne,” which is yet to be performed.
Students felt excited, and a rush of adrenaline came to them when performing, which led them to put their best effort for everyone that night.
Alumni leaders were also present to support their peers in the marching band, including parents who once performed with the band. The show was livestreamed as well, so people who could not see it in person could still enjoy the band’s show.
Kashyap Potturi, a freshman and first-year member of the band, shared his thoughts about his experience.
“At first, I thought it was going to be stressful to perform, and I was really nervous since the bleachers were filled with parents and friends watching us; however, as the show went on, I felt more comfortable and excited rather than nervous, and the overall experience was fun. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and the upperclassmen, and I look forward to performing in our upcoming competitions!”
The Marching Band will perform in multiple halftime shows during Bridgewater-Raritan High School football games, as well as in upcoming competitions.
Their first competition is scheduled for September 20 at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. The season will end with the State Championships competition on November 2 at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.
