Full Text:

"In Step" With NHS Band Airs On Cable TV August 13

(with photos)

BY DOROTHY EVANS

From the top, fade up from black.

Counting from 20 seconds back...

Watch for the 5-second signal, Jessica.

Give us a sign that you've seen it.

Sitting at his control panel, Charter Communications Senior Access Coordinator

Gregory Van Antwerp is watching three separate television monitors at once,

showing three different studio camera views.

Framing and composing the shots while coordinating titles and cues, he speaks

quietly and calmly into his studio microphone.

Standing behind Mr Van Antwerp is Ross Carley, publicity chairman for the

Newtown High School Marching Band.

Mr Carley is hoping this will be the first of several band shows to be taped

in advance and broadcast over public television cable access channels.

This one is being taped Wednesday, July 30, and it will air two weeks later,

on Wednesday, August 13, at 7 pm on Channels 16 and 21.

Newtown High School senior Jessica Chiarella is sitting on the studio stage in

front of the cameras, getting set to host her first Newtown Marching Band "In

Step" interview with Band Director Jack Zamary, who is seated at her left.

The interview - a question and answer session - will last approximately 15

minutes and will be followed by another interview with Band Parents

Association President Frank Wolferseder, who is waiting and watching in the

recording studio.

Jessica isn't exactly nervous because she's written her questions out ahead of

time and practiced at home in front of the mirror.

But this is her first time on camera in a TV studio.

She shifts a bit in her seat and recrosses her legs.

Dissolve a bit on the wide shot, Russ.

Over the shoulder more. Keep going. That's it.

Mr Van Antwerp is coaching Russ DiDonato, parent and treasurer for the Newtown

High School Marching Band.

Mr DiDonato is standing behind one of the studio cameras, practicing a

technique he's been learning over the past two months at a special workshop

given by the Newtown Cablevision company that is located off Commerce Road.

Now, he'll find out how much he's learned. He's used to taking his own videos

of the marching band so it's not a totally unfamiliar experience.

Relax, Jessica. Let's give it a whirl.

The "hot cue" from five seconds down is given and everyone is ready to go.

The interview begins as Jack Zamary, beginning his sixth year as school band

director, speaks with confidence and anticipation about the upcoming 1997- 8

band season.

He's sporting a newly shaven face, having taken off the mustache in June.

Mr Zamary tells Jessica that the band will be practicing at Fairfield Hills

this fall, because of continuing construction in the music area of Newtown

High School.

Also, because the football team is not likely to be playing home games until

the new sod on the playing field has had a chance to take root, the band won't

be doing home shows.

But there will be a jazz concert in May, and they're hoping to go to Virginia

Beach in April.

"The kids will love that," he adds.

Asked about the band's strengths and weaknesses, Mr Zamary takes a moment to

reflect.

"I'd have to say our biggest strength is the attitude of the organization.

It's a special feeling when we're all together. When all six buses and one

truck [loaded with instruments and uniforms] pull out of the parking lot,

we're like a big family," he said.

As for a weakness, there is always something new to work on.

"Articulation. We're always looking to improve on things," he said.

How soon will band practice start?

"The freshmen come August 18 and the first day of Band Camp for everyone is

August 20 at Fairfield Hills next to Kent House. The band picnic is Saturday,

August 30. We expect 600 people," Mr Zamary said with a big grin, raising his

dark brows.

"I expect to have 204 students in band this year," he added.

From the recording studio, Mr Van Antwerp made the traditional "cut" sign with

a horizontal slicing motion of his hand across his throat.

Their time was up.

That's a wrap. Great job everyone.