Is that a Demogorgan or a susaphone?
This year, the theme for the marching band show is “The Upside Down.” Each year, the marching band staff comes together to choose a theme.
Mr.Skip Cassady, one of the marching band directors, shares the theme with the band the night of graduation, the year prior to the theme being in effect, while they are practicing to play “Pomp and Circumstance.”
“We tried to pick something that would be for everyone,” says Cassady. “The show has come out during your lifetime, and the songs are from my time period growing up. The show has something for everyone.”
The band was excited as the show had been a hit in their lives.
“I think the theme is really cool! I love ‘Stranger Things,’ and I love the songs!” says Casey O’Donnell, ’27
After the theme decision, music must be composed for the band to make the show come to life!
Mr.Benjamin Pritchard, the Junior High band director, composes every piece for the band and a part for every instrument. Lots of work and dedication are needed to accomplish this task in only a few months.
“I have always enjoyed composing and arranging music. Arranging for the Stroudsburg High School marching band, however, has always been extra special, and getting to hear the students that I’ve taught perform the arrangements is a unique experience,” says Pritchard. “It’s great to hear the notes on the page come to life on the field and know that I had a small part in helping that happen. I also really enjoy arranging the music, knowing the exact people who will be playing the parts. Most composers/arrangers don’t have that opportunity.”
The show includes “Running Up That Hill,” “Never Ending Story,” “Africa,” “Separate Ways,” “Runaway,” and “Master Of Puppets.
If you watch the show, you may notice how almost identical the music is to the original score. We have the original pieces composed, but Stroudsburg gets to add its own flair to the songs.
“Something that I incorporate in the arrangements, which I think is unique, are various sound effects (scoops, falls, grace notes, etc). Most singers add inflections to their notes. They don’t just sing a straight pitch. They might scoop into a note or fall off another. I incorporate those sounds in the band parts to, again, try to add to the authenticity of the arrangement,” says Pritchard
Then, the band gets to take the songs to the field, and they add their moves, which are called drills.
With Mr.Pritchard’s arrangements and the drill, Stroudsburg has created its own version of 80s classics to transport you to the Upside Down.
What is your favorite song from the show?