Of their many academic and extracurricular programs, Northport-East Northport School District’s band camp is certainly one of the students’ favorite offerings. While the 2020 band camp week, hosted from August 18th to August 22nd, was organized quite differently from past years, nearly 300 students were still able to participate and learn a variety of musical, marching and dancing skills. 
Students were arranged into seven cohorts to maintain social distancing, and the camp was hosted across four different facilities. At the conclusion of the week, students in each cohort performed for their parents and families, marking the end of another successful program. 
When asked about her experience this summer, Flagline Captain Ella Dengler shared “Besides the conditions we were in, it was so fun to be with the team again and to hear all the music.” Flagline Captain Erika Lorentzson added “after being deprived of in-person human interaction for so long, it felt really good to be back. Although things are different this year, I still am hopeful and excited to spend a season leading this team as a captain alongside a group of girls who are like family to me.”
This Fall, the band will continue to be led by Dr. Izzet Mergen, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, as well as Lynn Cromeyn, Band Director. The entire department is looking forward to a successful year and is exploring new ways to bring the band experience to life under the new state guidelines and school protocols.