"The Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band recognizes graduating members

On Halloween, seniors from the Niwot High School marching band and football team were recognized for their final home game presentations of their dedication this fall as well as throughout their tenure at NHS.

Marching band seniors were presented with a rose and escorted down the sideline by their family members prior to the start of the game. Seniors recognized were Kennah Brackett, Nathan Cowan, Karlien Dang-Lee, Grace Fisher, Sanjana Kaushik, Angel Kho, Samantha Kintzel, Yaretzi Martinez Prieto, Bryan Martinez Rodarte, Emmet Morgan, Sunny Moiseeva, Sanjay Mudukutore, Angeli Nguyen, and Mark Rokhlenko.

While being escorted down the front sideline with their family members, seniors shared some of their fondest memories from band, advice to younger members, and current plans after high school. A lot of the advice to younger and/or prospective members included "practice" or "just go all in" with the reasoning of that being what makes marching band fun. It was also advised to stay away from color guard while they are tossing flags.

Wade Hendricks, Director of Bands at NHS, regards how this group of students have been top contributors since their arrival and their tremendous contributions in halftime shows such as "Colors of Rock," "Magic in Motion." and, of course, "Star Wars." This year's show, "Night at the Movies" involved some big strides into new elements of marching band such as more choreography, vocals, and a giant popcorn bucket prop.

"There are strong leaders throughout the group," said Hendricks. He recognizes the significant efforts made by Rokhlenko and Brackett as drum majors, Kintzel as drum captain, Dang-Lee as flute section leader, and Nguyen as a low brass section leader. Special thanks also went out to other four-year members Mudukutore, Kho, Martinez Rodarte, Fisher, and Kaushik. Martinez Prieto and Cowan also received praise for switching instruments and trying something new. Morgan was a new member to the band in his senior year and jumped right into the hype of the NHS Marching Band. And it was announced that Moiseeva will be graduating after three years of high school.

Hendricks concluded by saying "it really is a privilege to be a part of these students' music experiences... and to watch them grow up and become the people they are now." While the school year is still far from over, Senior Recognition gives the band a special opportunity to honor the outstanding effort these students have dedicated at Niwot.