On Monday morning our very own Somerset Berkley Blue Raider Marching Band attended the Berkley Memorial Day parade and ceremony which took place at the Berkley Commons. The SB Marching Band has historically marched the Somerset Memorial Day Parade. However, this year the group tried something new. Newly appointed Marching Band Director, James Theriault, was approached by Berkley officials and it was requested that the band march for the event. This establishes a new tradition where the Band will alternate the Berkley and Somerset Memorial Day parades every other year.
The event proved to be worthwhile. The Marching Band which consisted of hornline, drumline, and colorguard sections reported to the Commons at 9am in preparation for the parade which stepped off at 10am. Berkeley Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and both Fire and Police Station were among those in the parade. Following the parade was an hour and a half ceremony dedicated to honoring fallen servicemen. Local officials, Berkley Superintendent of Schools, both current and former service members, and the American Legion delivered speeches. Berkley Superintendent of Schools, Melissa Ryan, announced Berkley Middle School “What Memorial Day Means To Me” essay contest winners Devyn Sullivan and Leah Hill. Both students read their speeches to the crowd. The Berkley Middle School Band also had a performance of “America The Beautiful.”At the conclusion of the ceremony SB Blue Raider Marching Band members Vanessa Tavares of Somerset and Aaron Guilmette of Berkley played taps.
This new tradition was met with positive reactions from Berkley residents, band members, and onlookers. Marching Band instructor James Theriault expressed an optimistic outlook, “It’s our first time doing this. We were approached by the town of Berkley. It’s a new tradition we are starting, from now on we will be alternating every year. We will be back in Somerset next year but Berkley is very excited to have us.” (Theriault). Colorguard instructor, Heather Shaker, exclaimed that she was “happy that Berkley invited the band” and that she “looks forward to attending in the future (Shaker).” There were positive reactions all around with students of the band also appreciating their performances. Junior Drum Major Ben Theriault, who plays tenor saxophone, voiced satisfaction with the ensemble’s performance, “The event went really well.” (Theriault). Freshman Color Guard member and Berkley native, Callie Chester, was also satisfied; “It was a great way to end off the season.” (Chester).
Although the 2024-2025 Marching Band Season has officially come to a close for the Somerset Berkley Raiders, new things are already on the horizon. Leadership Auditions for next season are underway. Applications are due Thursday, May 29th and Auditions will be held Monday, June 2nd from 5pm-8pm. Members and those interested in participating in the ensembles 2025-2026 season should stay vigilant for information through both Director James Theriault and the Marching Band’s google classroom and social media.
