The Penn-Trafford band has been busy since June practicing for their show, “The Greatest Neighbor Ever: Our Tribute to Mister Rogers” which honors Fred Rogers and the favored television program “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
Under the guidance of director David Cornelius, the band has put together a show including music that taps into everyone’s childhood memories.
Cornelius said that when the United States Postal Service released their stamp honoring Rogers, a show about his 50th Anniversary became the band’s top choice to start developing.
“Once the arranging rights for the music were acquired, the show took on a life of its own,” Cornelius said.
There are five parts to the show, according to Cornelius, with “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” in the beginning and the end. In the middle of those are “It’s You I Like,” “A Childhood Hymn,” and “It’s Such A Good Feeling.” All of the pieces were songs written by Mister Rogers and “A Childhood Hymn” was composed by David Holsinger.
Juniors Brooke Newell and Emma Bender are the drum majors for the P-T band. They lead the band in shows, practices and parades.
Bender said that this year’s show is more challenging than past shows.
“[The show] requires a lot of creativity and passion,” Bender added.
The props play a significant part in making the show’s theme come to life.
Cornelius added that Mike Bujakowski, one of the band parents, went to the Heinz History Center and measured the set that was used on the show to create a replica of it. The band also ordered flags decorated with tennis shoes and his trolley for the color guard, along with red sweaters for the soloists to wear.
“A lot of people thought that we would have a big trolley on the field since the stage coach was such a huge hit last year,” Cornelius said. “We went with the beautiful set piece instead and it has worked out wonderfully.”
The set has a bench where the soloists sit and perform their solos, pretending to be Rogers, changing shoes or doing what he needs to do in the show. The band also has televisions set up throughout the field which makes the field feel like a living room.
“The last prop we use is a picture of Mr. Rogers. The picture is brought out during the show and it adds so much to what we have already left on the field,” Newell said.
Bender said that along with the props, there are also voiceovers of Rogers being played during the show.
“These help the audience to connect with the message of the show,” Bender said.
Senior Emma Garris, who plays the marimba in the front ensemble of the band, said she thinks that the show this year really resonates with the audience every time they perform it.
“Being that Mr. Rogers was from Pittsburgh and most of the people watching our band grew up watching his show, it seems to be something that the crowd really enjoys,” Garris said.
After an exciting season last year, the band is ready to match their level of prior performance and hopefully top it.
“Our goal remains to be in the top five and earn the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship. That ranking will change after our band’s performances in the final competitions,” Cornelius said.
On Oct. 13, the band performed at McKeesport, and on Oct. 20 they had their TOB Region Eight Champions Competition. Their final performance of the year is Nov. 4 at the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championship at Hershey Stadium.
The band won on Oct. 13 with a score of 88/100.
Senior Natalie Wilson, who plays in pit percussion, said she can’t wait to see all of the band’s hard work pay off at Hershey.
“Once competition season is over, the band switches to concert and parade mode for their upcoming performances,” Newell said.
Newell continued that the band attempts to travel and perform everywhere they can so that people are able to see what they do.
“After a performance, good practice or long parade, the energy that encompasses the band is incredible,” Newell said. “The hard work and dedication that everyone brings is inspiring to me.”
Newell said that she will definitely miss this show next year, and Bender agrees, saying she enjoys performing with such gifted people each week.
Garris added that as a senior, she feels weird knowing this is the last show she will ever be a part of.
“I am extremely grateful for all of the things I have gained from band,” Garris said.
Wilson said it’s so weird to be in a position that is looked up to when all she has been doing is looking up to the people who were here previously and it almost feels surreal.
“It’s really sad, but also fulfilling,” Wilson said.
For other members of the band, their time is not over yet.
“Being a junior, I still have another year with this incredible program, and I am thrilled with this year’s work. However, I cannot wait to see what next season has in store for us,” Newell said.
The band performs at every P-T football game during halftime and on Nov. 3 at the Warrior Stadium at 4 p.m.