GNA CAMPUS— Last year, the GNA Marching Band performed their halftime show, “A Trip Down Broadway.” This year, they proudly present their halftime show, “Motown,” for the 2024-2025 school year.
The GNA Insider got the chance to interview the marching band drum majors, Samad Z. Pridgen, Mj Grey, and the color guard captain, Mariah Minnelli.
Drum Major – Samad Z. Pridgen ’26
How long have you been in the marching band and been playing your instrument?
I’ve been marching for 3 years, and I’ve played many instruments since I was 10.
What made you join the marching band?
I’ve loved musical performances since I was very young, so when I had the opportunity, I signed up.
Why did you try out for drum major?
I was confident in my ability to lead the band, so I was excited when the opportunity was presented.
What is your favorite band camp memory?
My favorite band camp memory was standing on our podium on the field for the first time and watching our band perform.
What’s your favorite song from this halftime show?
My favorite song to conduct is “Superstition,” and my favorite song to march to is “I’ll Be There.”
Would you recommend marching band to any newcomers?
Absolutely! Marching band is an amazing experience.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to join marching band?
Make sure to bring tons of water, sneakers, and wear clothes that will help you beat the heat.
When you graduate what part of marching band will you miss the most?
I’d probably miss Mr. Rinaggio quite a bit. He was the teacher who had the most effect on me since I met him, and I’ll miss that support.
Drum Major – Mj Grey ’26
How long have you been in the marching band and been playing your instrument?
I have been in the marching band for 4 years. I’ve been playing clarinet since 5th grade, but stopped for 2 years, so about 5 years in total.
What made you join the marching band?
Both of my sisters were in marching band so they had a bit of an influence on me. But after COVID, a lot changed for me and I decided I wanted to pick up an instrument again.
Why did you try out for drum major?
I tried out for drum major because I always imagined waving my arms in the air, and sometimes pretending to conduct and have salutes. It is an awesome achievement that I am proud of.
What is your favorite band camp memory?
I think my favorite band camp memory is playing games with all of the band members and exploring the school with my friends. (Although, we did get in trouble but it was fun).
What’s your favorite song from this halftime show?
My favorite song from our halftime show this year has to be “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” This song is so groovy and so much fun to conduct.
Would you recommend marching band to any newcomers?
YES! Marching band has become one of my safe spaces. I met some amazing people and no matter how hard it might be at times, and I am so glad I joined.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to join marching band?
Please be ready to work hard, meet new people, and have the most fun experience ever. Marching band is like a family and we would be more than welcome to include you!
When you graduate what part of marching band will you miss the most?
When I graduate I’m going to miss the games and cavalcades, the bus rides, the pent-up energy, and the sweat and tears. It is an amazing experience to feel with everyone and I’m going to miss every second of it.
Color Guard Captain – Mariah Minnelli ’25
How long have you been in color guard and do you play an instrument? If so, how long?
I’ve been in color guard for 6 years, and I’ve played piano for 13 years.
What made you join the marching band?
Originally I wanted to join and play mallets because I loved performing on stage and thought on the field I would be so cool. Then I heard about color guard and gave it a try not knowing how much I would love it.
Why did you try out for color guard captain?
We had no one to write or teach us any guard work so I knew if someone didn’t we wouldn’t have a color guard.
What is your favorite band camp memory?
When I first started I didn’t talk to anyone. Then Samara came up to me and made sure I was included and just meeting the other guard members.
What’s your favorite song from this halftime show?
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine” because I love using the saber and being able to solo with Jasper for my last year is so much fun.
Would you recommend marching band to any newcomers?
Yes. Being a part of a team and getting on a field to perform is so much fun. The band is like a family. We all stick together.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to join color guard?
It’s not as hard as it seems. If you are dedicated and practice you can have fun learning new moves.
When you graduate what part of marching band will you miss the most?
I think what I’d miss the most is seeing the new members learn new things. Being able to teach the younger guard members all of the skills I now know was one of the greatest parts of the past few years. Just being able to see other people perform the work you wrote and taught alongside you is really something I won’t forget.
Good luck to the GNA Marching Band for the rest of the season. If you’re interested, come to the Pittson Cavalcade on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. to watch our band perform.
