No matter what decade you were born in, you likely know some Motown hits, even if you don’t realize it. However, if these hits are lacking on your Spotify playlist, you can now hear the sounds of Motown through the school Marching Band.
The Motown Record Corporation was founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1949. The first number one hit was “My Guy,” written and produced by Smokey Robinson. Other Motown artists include The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and the Supremes and Stevie Wonder.
The school Pep Band, also known as the Marching Band, will play the hits of Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Four Tops and other artists at every home game for the crowd to enjoy. Band director Ms. Kimberly Imerbsin explained her love for Motown. “The music is relatable and fun for most people,” she said. “I am excited to have lots of fun and engage the football crowd.”
The hits playing at every home football game include “Get Ready” by The Temptations, “Dancing in the Streets” by Martha & the Vandellas, “Stop! In the Name of Love” by Diana Ross and the Supremes, “I Can’t Help Myself” by The Four Tops and “Reach Out” by The Four Tops.
Junior Carla Irizarry-Delgado is a part of the percussion section of the marching band. Irizarry-Delgado has been a part of band since her freshman year and currently serves as the pit section leader and the musical counselor. (Photo/Joanne Haner)
For those wanting to join band but don’t want to be seen at every football game, you don’t have to. “Band is more than just Pep Band and football games. Pep Band is just the face of the program. Most of what we do is very rarely seen by the masses,” Ms. Imbersin said. “We have an incredible wind ensemble that plays incredibly difficult literature. We have many fantastic individuals that get accepted to state and nationally ranked bands and orchestras; we are an all-encompassing band program with lots of opportunities.”
