High School Band's Unforgettable Performance at UN Conference

The Newton High School band, known as The Newton Sound Factory, took their musical prowess to an outstanding new level. They participated in a one-of-a-kind international event, playing at the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on Monday, Dec. 11. This momentous conference, held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, marked the first time a United Nations conference was hosted in the U.S. outside of New York, making it a historic event with over 190 nations in attendance.

A Dream Come True for Young Musicians

For many in the band, including senior drum major Jimicah Roseberry, the reality of performing on such a prestigious platform only sunk in as they stepped into the venue. Roseberry described the experience as 'surreal,' initially doubting the authenticity of the invitation, suspecting it might have been a prank organized by their band director, Jason Smith. Similar feelings of disbelief were shared by Tajé George, another senior drum major, who felt the gravitas of the event when they laid eyes on the sign labelled 'Pacific Islands' among the delegates' seats.

Hulet Neely, a junior and baritone/euphonium player, mentioned a defining moment which truly encapsulated the weight of their performance: overhearing diplomats addressing the band as if they were celebrities or influential leaders themselves.

Months of Preparation Lead to a Stunning Medley

Band director Jason Smith learned of this golden opportunity on Sept. 11, but kept the details from his students until mid-October, maintaining an element of surprise. In the weeks leading up to the performance, the band worked tirelessly on a particularly ambitious setlist which included their longest medley to date. Featuring beloved hits like 'Get Ready' by The Temptations, 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles, 'Moves like Jagger' by Maroon 5, and George's anticipated 'Rock With You' by Michael Jackson, the band excitedly embraced each number.

As they performed, Neely noticed the attention they garnered: world leaders and politicians reaching for their phones, eager to capture the moment.

The Impact of Normalcy in Preparation

Despite the extraordinary nature of the performance, practice remained as usual, with Smith deciding against any special treatment or changes to their routine. By sticking to normality, the band managed to keep pre-show nerves at bay. George mentioned that any anxiety faded away once they started playing, driven by the desire to impress every attendee. Roseberry highlighted that approaching this performance like any other was instrumental in reducing tension, echoing Mr. Smith's philosophy of constant and deliberate preparation for excellence.

performance, education, inspiration