Massapequa Marching Band Captures Disney Magic

MASSAPEQUA, NY — “Old-School Disney” is the theme for Massapequa High School’s marching band show for the 2021 season. More than 60 students spent three days rehearsing the music and their moves during the summer marching band camp from Aug. 10-12.

Band director Eva Arnold said that they chose a Disney theme because Massapequa High School music and art students will be taking a trip to Disney World in February. The marching band’s set will include older songs like the “Mickey Mouse March” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

They will perform their show at least five times this season, including at the Newsday Marching Band Festival in October and during halftime for the four home varsity football games, plus potential playoff games.

On the football field, band members worked on basic marching technique as well as their choreography, before retreating to comfort of the air conditioning in the band room to practice the music. The color guard also worked on their accompanying flag spinning routine, which adds a strong visual element to the show.

Working with the musicians this year were Arnold and fellow high school band director Andrew Dwork, middle school band teacher Robert Giannotti and elementary band teacher Jessica Wyman. Andrea Gropf led the color guard.