Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 27, 2023 'STRIKE UP THE BAND': Malden High Band brings some 'Old School' atmosphere to home basketball games First-year director and band members add some homespun energy to the boys and girls events By Steve Freker ly-matched battle Tuesday. Taking in one of the innumerW hen you get "two thumbs" from one of the biggest music aficionados in the city, the fi rst time he hears you perform at your newest venue, that is another way of acknowledging you've "arrived". So it was for the Malden High School Band and fi rst-year Director Lauren Foley at the Roy Finn Gym at MHS. Malden High Varsity Girls Basketball was hosting next-door rival Everett HS in an evenable local athletic events he attends throughout the school year was Malden Mayor and School Committee chairperson Gary Christenson. Following a cover of the early 1980s classic "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey, the Mayor exclaimed, "I can't believe it.(The MHS Band) are playing all my favorite songs! This is great." After a well-received run during the fall at the MHS home football games, the MHS Band, Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net ANGELO’S A FULL SERVICE 1978-2023 Celebrating 45 Years in Business! 197 Regular Unleaded $3.199 MidUnleaded $3.979 Super $4.099 Diesel Fuel $4.649 KERO By Container Only Heating Oil at the Pump DEF $4.759 HEATING OI 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS Sun. 9AM-5PM The National Anthem is performed pre-game by the Malden High School Band, directed by Lauren Foley. which features around 30 members, recently began appearing and performing at Malden High home boys and girls basketball games. It has been an instant success and a welcome addition to "Game Night," according to Malden Public Schools Director of Wellness, Athletics and PhysThe MHS Band recently began performing at the Golden Tornado Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Games and it has been a big hit. All Photos by Steve Freker ical Education Charlie Conefrey. "I can't tell you how many comments we have received from everyone who comes to the basketball games about the band playing," Conefrey said, "and they have all been positive. People really appreciate it and say they really like the atmosphere with the band now part of it." The MHS Band typically begins the evening performance with a live rendition of the National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner'. They then jump in with cover versions of everything from the aforementioned Journey hit, to "YMCA," by the Village People to selections by contemporary pop stars such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. The MHS band also intersperses some of the traditional "get the crowd going" snippets—heavy on the drums and horns— at various times during the games. It is a good year to add some enhancements to the game, Conefrey said, since both the Boys Team, coached by Don Nally and Head Coach Scott Marino's Girls Team, are both having decent years, each with a path to the postseason looming, should they continue their success. "We are getting some decent crowds," Conefrey said. "We want parents, friends and other fans to just relax and have a nice night out while watching their sons or daughters compete. The Malden High Band is helping us provide that." Sixth-year Malden High principal Chris Mastrangelo, another avid music fan of the 1980s and 1990s —as well as perhaps the #1 Journey fan in Massachusetts— also expressed appreciation for the new addition to the games."Everyone really appreciates our Director Lauren Foley and each of the band members for giving their time to perform at the basketball games," Mastrangelo said. "Ms. Foley has really made a mark in her fi rst year as a member of our faculty and it has been an impressive one." The Horns Section of the MHS Band helps get the crowd going during the game. Talented musician Jacob Fuentes, an MHS freshman, performs on the saxophone at the game Tuesday night. Jacob has been a member of Malden Public School band ensembles since he was a fourth-grader at the Ferryway K-8 School. Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Condicioner! FLEET
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