This Thursday, March 20, Naperville North High School is hosting its 42nd annual Airband show, a beloved NNHS tradition where seniors execute unforgettable performances that incorporate choreographed dances, lip-syncing and pop culture references. It stands as one of Naperville North’s highly anticipated nights of the year, uniting NNHS students and staff in a wave of celebration.
Airband is a unique Huskie tradition, separating it from other high school customs, including events done nationwide such as Senior Sunrise or ditch days. Unlike these common traditions, Airband is a reflection of NNHS’s tight-knit school culture. NNHS Principal Jay Wachtel emphasizes the distinct nature of Airband.
“It is an incredible tradition. Other schools have visited here—I would say a hundred schools have tried to replicate it, and it just doesn’t happen in other places,” Wachtel said.
Airband has been a cornerstone of Naperville North. Throughout the decades, the event has undergone several changes. In its earlier years, students from all grade levels could participate, but it later became an exclusive senior privilege, adding to its significance as a rite of passage for senior North students. More recently, the event has evolved to include new award categories such as “Most Creative” and “Best Storyline” to recognize standout performances in different ways.
Despite these modifications, the heart behind Airband has remained the same. While Airband was posptoned in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Airband continued in 2021, demonstrating its importance to the NNHS community. Former NNHS student and now NNHS social studies teacher Ryan Dengel reflects on why the tradition has stood the test of time.
“It’s changed as students have changed, and that has made it a tradition unique to Naperville North. It’s a chance for students to be silly and showcase some dancing talent.” Dengel said.
While the performances may appear effortless on stage, the work put in behind the scenes is anything but seamless. Preparation for the event, including planning and rehearsals, begins months in advance, requiring commitment, teamwork and creativity from each member. Students must choreograph routines, memorize complex dance sequences and coordinate with their group members to ensure a dazzling performance. NNHS senior and member of the Ballairs Airband group Sennah Rashidian shares the effort that goes into preparing for Airband.
“It was hard because we had to learn several different [dances] in a short amount of time. I have been working on this performance since we got our group finalized back at the end of January and have spent a ton of my free time on it,” Rashidian said.
Despite the challenges, participating in Airband is a thoroughly rewarding experience. For many seniors, it represents the distinct opportunity they have eagerly anticipated throughout high school. Rashidian reflects on what she has gained from the experience.
“The best thing I got out of it is definitely getting closer with some of my friends and also feeling very included in an important NNHS tradition,” Rashidian said.
Airband isn’t merely a performance; it’s a celebration of creativity, teamwork and NNHS school spirit. It’s a tradition that has united students across generations and remains a defining part of the Naperville North experience. While many schools have tried to recreate it, Airband is a reflection of the unique energy and culture that make Naperville North a dynamic and exciting community. Dengel shares how one-of-a-kind Airband truly is.
“Try to explain Airband to someone from another school—you just can’t,” Dengel said.
Update: This story was updated to reflect the true number of Airband events performed.
