Videos
What can overcome the feeling of competition? A shared love of music.
That was the case last Friday at the football game between Burlington High School and Belmont High.
Burlington resident, parent and band staff member Faydeen Sateriale let Patch know about this story that shows the competing schools coming together for a music collaboration.
Sateriale explained that during the half-time of the Sept. 21 game, the two bands both played the Beatle's song "Eleanor Rigby." During the second half of the game members of the BHS Marching Band asked staff members if they could go and talk with the Belmont musicians.
Permission was granted and the students decided to play together following the game. As players left the field fans were treated to a sudden version of the song as the bands began to play in together.
"As both a parent and band staff member I am so proud of our kids!" Sateriale said. "I am also proud to be part of a great school district and town. The respect and just plain 'getting along' is an example all of us should emulate."
"Belmont enjoyed the night as much as Burlington did playing in the visitor stands as one band of about 180 musicians (including dance squads and color guards)" she added.
Sateriale also sent along the link to this Youtube video of the performance. The video was taken and posted by Shirley Fong. See the original here.
Sateriale wasn't the only person to find this video inspiring. She also sent a screen shot of a Facebook page that had many comments from fans and parents.
"I don't think I've ever seen Belmont travel in the past 11 years...what a fantastic opportunity for the two bands to play together!," one person commented.
"Thanks for recording this! I was too in AWE to realize I should be recording it. It sounded FANTASTIC!!! I'm so glad our kids decided to go over there and the Belmont band was so receptive. Truly wonderful!," another added.
"The best thing about it...it was entirely the students' idea," BHS Band Director Matt Lovell commented.
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Brenda Cahoon
8:05 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
It was a great event to see! I actually called the Principal at the Belmont High School to let him know how respectful their marching band was to our band. I found out that the band only travels to two away games. Burlington is always on their list not only for the friendliest of our own marching band, but also because we have the BEST football fans who are welcoming to the away teams band. Nice job Burlington !
Faydeen Sateriale
9:57 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Brenda, now I know why your kids are so awesome!!
Faydeen Sateriale
9:55 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Did you know that Belmont HS Band Members pay $500 a year to be in the band (students/parents also pay fees for sports)?!??! We are very, very fortunate to live in a Town and has a School Committee that supports our youth and realizes how important these life molding activities are!!!
Arto Asadoorian
11:23 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
This was a great experience for our students. The Belmont Marching Band actually travels to most of our football team's away games, but you are correct in your statement that Burlington is one of our most welcoming hosts. You should be very proud of the way your students and band directors represent Burlington, as we are of the way our students and directors continue to represent Belmont, both home and away.
Arto Asadoorian
11:29 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Just some clarification - I am the Director of Fine & Performing Arts in Belmont and have been one of the marching band directors since 2006. Our students do pay a fee to participate in after-school activities, including marching band, but it is not $500. And yes, you are very fortunate to live in a town where these types of activites do not come with an extra fee associated with them.
Faydeen Sateriale
12:02 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
So sorry for my inaccurate statement regarding the amount of the fee. I was talking with a band parent from Belmont at a previous game and that is the amount they said. We were in shock and awe that your band members and families are so dedicated.