The Manchester Township Marching Hawks’ 2022 show is called “Jack” and is based off of Tim Burton’s movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas. The band came in second place in one of their competitions on Saturday, September 24 by putting up a score of 74.710  just shy of first place behind Rumson Fair Haven.

Band director Mrs. Abrams said, “The best part of the season is getting to watch the immense improvement of the students and also watch them making lifelong friendships.” She also said that the marching band’s goal is to improve their show and improve their score weekly. 

Abrams selected “Jack” because the students love the music and the storyline is fun. She explained that band students attend school, and then many of them go home before practice or do another sport/club/activity before practice, which many times can end well after dark. “We rehearse every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-8:30 and sometimes on Saturdays before a big show,” she said. 

In addition to performing at halftime during home football games, they compete in many shows. The marching band’s remaining competitions are October 1, October 8, October 15, October 23, and October 29.

What motivates Abrams as a band director is the students and the love they have for the activity.

This year’s marching band leaders include Jurissa Deocampo (drum major), Callie Rommel (field captain), Ben Said (drum captain), and Kait Trause (color guard captain). Abrams is assisted by Mr. Andrew Fodor, Ms. Laura Randall, and Mr. Rick Miles. 

Follow the Manchester Township Marching Hawks on Twitter at @mthshawk_band.