Top photo courtesy of Gryscl Media & Management
“It was an amazing three minutes of continuous exhilaration.”
Three minutes Colton Wynter says his Uniondale High School Marching Band will never forget.
On Friday night, the band took the stage at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater during an AJR concert, performing alongside the pop group for the show’s grand finale.
“The kids loved it, loved being part of that spectacle,” Wynter told Greater Long Island. “The production value, the fireworks, the huge screaming crowd made this whole experience awesome.”
Just watch
Wynter, the band’s director for the past 20 years, said the invite came about a month ago. With summer in full swing, he wasn’t sure how many students could make it — but 25 committed. He and co-director Joe Boardman quickly got to work, squeezing in four practices before the big night.
During sound check, AJR’s trumpet player Arnetta Johnson stopped by and told them she was impressed with their preparation.
“She said they use local bands in every city they play, but the fact that she complimented us made the kids feel great,” Wynter said. “A lot of our kids follow her on Instagram, so that was a cool moment for them.”
The Uniondale Marching Band is no stranger to big stages. They’ve performed in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan, the African American Day Parade in Harlem, and are regulars in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Stamford, Connecticut.
“We’re not just sitting in the classroom playing our instruments,” Wynter said. “It’s important to showcase what we can do. We travel to different states, and also make sure these kids are a big part of the Uniondale community.”
Next up — a trip to Washington, D.C., to perform in the Memorial Day Parade in May.
