"Pride of Niwot" Marching Band celebrates successful season

At the end of each semester many Niwot High School clubs and activities celebrate and recognize their achievements by holding formal banquet events for their members. The "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band held its fall banquet on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Students were fed a catered spaghetti dinner and, of course, a delicious cake was decorated to the theme of their halftime show, "Night at the Movies."

The evening also included a poignant reflection of the semester's events for the whole band. A multi-cam video of the band's halftime show, compiled from clips from St. Vrain Band Night, GoPro POV videos, and other shots from staff on the field, were edited together by Drum Major Mark Rokhlenko. Rokhlenko, who has a passion for film studies and plans to continue pursuing that interest after high school, dedicated significant hours editing the compilation.

Members were also treated to a very detailed and fun slideshow, courtesy of seniors Sanjana Kaushik and Yaretzi Martinez Prieto. Together they compiled a thoughtful, engaging collection of memories from this past season. The slideshow showcased everything from band camp, in-class rehearsals, out-of-school rehearsals, football games, parades, showcase performances, and even the good times spent together outside of scheduled band time.

Many awards were given by section leaders to every member of their sections, ranging from serious awards such as "most-improved" to other, more humorous recognitions such as "newest old person" for members such as Emmett Morgan who joined the ensemble this year as a senior.

Additionally, Drum Majors Rokhlenko and Kennah Bracket gave special awards to all the section leaders. Band Director Wade Hendricks then recognized the drum majors with special, 3D printed popcorn bucket trophies reminiscent of the props and theme of "Night at the Movies."

"I love and appreciate the thoughtful and creative nature of the awards," said Hendricks. One such example came from Karlien Dang-Lee, flute section leader, who crocheted custom miniature hats for every member of the flute section. "The custom crocheted hats put my non-custom or homemade socks to shame," added Hendricks, referring to the themed socks he bought for staff members Anthony Pierro (colorguard) and Scott Barto (drumline) to recognize their hard work this season.

The most coveted award, the "Golden Flip Folder," was then presented at the end of the night. The flip folder is what students use to hold their music while still learning drill and in the stands so not everything has to be memorized. It is essential to a student's' success in marching band and must be treated with the utmost respect.

The Golden Flip Folder Award was traditionally awarded in August after band camp. Now, it represents the best section throughout the whole season in terms of attendance, spirit, hard work, attitude, and even takes the best group Halloween costume into account. In the past, the honor has been awarded to trumpets, low brass, flutes, drumline, clarinets, trumpets again, flutes and clarinets combined, and drumline again.

This year, the Golden Flip Folder Award was given to the 2024 Color Guard under the leadership of Captain Lezlee Avalos. Color Guard displayed tremendous growth with a great attitude and hard-work, and, ironically, is a section that does not need a flip-folder.

While the banquet marked the end of the fall season, the "Pride of Niwot" still has one more scheduled performance on Dec. 14 at the Longmont Holiday Lights Parade where NHS band members will combine with Silver Creek High School's marching band. Many of the students will also continue to perform together after the semester in a symphonic band setting for the rest of the school year.