2011/2012 Marching Charger Seniors take the field for the last time

The senior class of the Northwood Marching Band took to the competition field for the last time to compete in the 2nd Annual "Battle of the Bands" at Providence Grove High School in Climax, NC. The senior class, made up of 16 members of our band has had a successful marching band career. In four years of competing, they have only scored less than a "Superior" rating twice. We would like to congratulate the seniors on their accomplishment over the past 4 years. We love you guys and will miss you next season.


The Marching Chargers finished up our marching band season by taking 1st Place in their class and receiving a "Superior" rating. After being the 2nd band to take to the field in competition, it gave the students the first opportunity ever to be in a position to see bands in their class perform. The format was not by class at this competition, which was sort of unique. Everyone enjoyed the day and celebrated their 5th and final competition of the season by bringing home many first place awards.


The writer of this blog wants to congratulate the Marching Chargers, Mr. Cottrell and his staff on a very successful marching band season. I would also like to say it has been my pleasure in taking photos, posting blogs and most of all, getting to know the students, parents and many others who make up the Marching Charger Family. I will post another blog or two before handing over the reins to  Shayne Mann, who will keep the blog going for the upcoming years. It has been a great "ride" with tons of wonderful memories. 


Richardson

Enjoy the photos.

NHS MARCHING CHARGERS TAKE THEIR "A" GAME TO LEE COUNTY ON OCT. 29TH

What do the following schools have in common?
Needham B Broughton, South View, Jack Britt, Union Pines, Chapel Hill and 14 other local high schools. They all finished 2nd to the NHS Marching Chargers in "MUSIC" at the 2011 Brick Capital Classic. The Northwood Marching Chargers couldn't have selected a better venue to put on their best show of the year. With Lee County just a few miles South of our Northwood Campus, the stands were filled with green and gold fans. Many alumni, parents and marching band fans in general made the trip to see our Marching Chargers take 1st place in their division and 1st place in music, not only in their division, but in the complete competition. This includes many schools twice the size of the Marching  Chargers. As a parent, we  couldn't be prouder of our whole band, Mr. Cottrell and the assistants for this outstanding accomplishment.


The day resulted in many trophies being carried home. The band received a "Superior" rating and returned to Chatham County with their heads held high. 


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NORTHWOOD MARCHING CHARGERS!!!!! IT WAS A GREAT DAY AT LEE SENIOR HIGH!


Richardson


Enjoy the photos below from Lee County.
A special thank you to "Alumni", Xavier Patterson for assisting with the photos.

NHS MARCHING CHARGERS COMPETE AT UNION PINES ON OCT. 22

October 22nd was a beautiful day for any outdoor activity and especially for a Marching Band competition. The location was Union Pines High School located in Cameron, NC and the goal was to put on a "Superior" show for the packed stands. Our Marching Chargers did just that. With the superior rating, NHS brought home 2nd place in their class and put on a great show. Just being beat out by Lee Senior, Northwood's performance was the best of the season. They scored well and had very few mistakes. Mr Cottrell was very pleased with their performance as was the Cameron crowd. Congratulations to the Marching Chargers for your "Superior" rating.

Enjoy the photos below from the Union Pines competition.

Richardson

NHS MARCHING CHARGERS PERFORM AT MCDONALD'S IN PITTSBORO

October 15th was a very special day for the mid day visitors at our local McDonald's Restaurant in Pittsboro.  All guest were treated with the talent of our Marching Chargers Band and Guard presenting their program "Desert Sands".


Mr. Cottrell took this time to explain to the audience, how a marching program is written, taught and then presented. Cottrell explained all the different functions required to put a great show on the field. One thing was very evident, it doesn't "just happen".  It requires hundreds of hours of planning, teaching and practicing to reach the level of success that Northwood has enjoyed during Cottrell's tenure.


Our group would like to extend our thanks to McDonald's for allowing the Marching Chargers to perform their show and especially for the generous donation that was given to the Marching Chargers Band. Funds are to be used for expenses to put our show on the field. Without the support of McDonald's, other generous support groups and parents, it would be impossible for our program to represent Pittsboro and Northwood High School at the level that they do. We are very proud of each and every member of our band and guard for their hard work and dedication to the program.


Below is a video clip and a few photos from the McDonald's event. Please enjoy.


Richardson

NHS Marching Chargers brings home 2nd Place Metal from Bluestone High School

Let me begin by saying, I am sure Richardson is not the only one who was tired when he arrived back at NHS at around midnight on Saturday night from Skipwith, Va. 

It was a 100% beautiful day in Skipwith while the Marching Chargers performed at 78.5%, according to the judges at the Bluestone Baron Invitational. Finishing just behind Lee County, our Marching Chargers and Guard brought home 2nd place trophies in most categories, with exception of "Percussion". Congratulation to Percussion on their 1st place award. 

The band did improve on their score from 2 weeks ago, but missed the "superior" rating by 1 1/2 points. 

We would like to congratulate Mr. Cottrell on winning the contest between the directors and bringing home a nice price for the family. He is very deserving of the prize but not so much of the "title" of the award. (LOL) We will leave the name out of this blog.

Thank you to all who made the trip to show their support to the NHS Marching Charger Band. The students did a wonderful job and will continue to improve as the season moves forward. "Go Chargers"!!! 

Please mark your calendar for this Saturday, Oct. 15th. and visit McDonalds of Pittsboro around 11 AM and stay through lunch and listen to our Northwood Band play their program. Please plan on eating at McDonalds as a portion of the profits will be donated to the Northwood Band program. 

Enjoy the photos below.

Richardson