Road To Band Camp, Part 1

I apologize for the lack of updates recently, and will be updating this blog much more frequently in the future.

Although I wasn't excited at the idea of three hours of band initially, my opinion greatly changed as we began our sectionals and learned a great deal of music.

Today's practice wasn't much different from the others schedule-wise; however, that didn't stop the band from being incredibly productive. Our basics block was particularly challenging - after a quick jog and a lesson in forward marching (focused on posture), the ban

d reviewed backwards marching. We steadily increased our speed until we could march 8-counts at 180 beats per minute, the tempo of our opener (for perspective, that's three beats per second).

The breathing/warm-ups period was also quite intense, though it was still a relief from the intensity of the marching. After around half an hour, we split into sectionals (Woodwinds, High Brass, and Low Brass). We received and dug deep into Part 3, the closer, and I now can say I feel very confident with all the music in the show.

Our ensemble period, while somewhat short, showed that the entire band really is capable of another Championship win. However, we have a lot of work to do before band camp, which is approximately three weeks away, namely, memorize all three pieces of music. The band staff has informed us that the drill for the first piece of music is complete, so we really are closing in on the upcoming season.

Image credit: ILC (here).

Diving Into The Season

This latest Monday practice was a very productive one. While it was quite regular, I felt pleased at the progress the band made. During basics, we practiced the first step of forward marching as well as our posture extensively - my morale improved as I saw our newcomers really get the hang of marching, just as I had done last year.

Our warm-ups were not spectacular, and the only change was moving from the traditional arc into a circle. But things really kicked off when we split off into sectionals. The brass and woodwinds section both practiced the opener of The Machines (the only piece we currently have) heavily, and once we moved into the entire ensemble, it was a truly epic scene.

By tomorrow, I hope to be able to post an audio clip of the opener, or at least have it available for download.

Morale Improves

Despite only being the second practice of the season, coupled with the fact that it took place during finals, this Monday's practice was better than expected.

After the usual "welcome" message, we dived right into the basics block, where everyone, including the returning members, was harshly judged on their posture. We practiced extensively with the first step of forward marching, which seriously helped the newcomers, and reminded me of some tips I had forgotten since Championships.

Once basics was over, we went inside to hide from the heat, going straight into warm-ups. We then split into sectionals for nearly an hour, where we worked extensively on the opener of "The Machines". I can't speak for the other sections, but the clarinet section made some major improvements.

At eight thirty, with just a half an hour to go before practice ended, the entire wind section gathered for an ensemble, where we practiced the end of the opener. Once we had sufficiently practiced with the new, faster tempo (apparently, the actual tempo is much faster, at 180 beats per minute), we played through the entire opener. This showed me, among other things, that "The Machines" is a truly intense show.

Our next practice is scheduled 6-9, next Monday. However, hopefully by the end of the week, I hope to be able to upload the opener of "The Machines" (not us playing, but the official recording) onto this blog.

2009 Marching Band Begins The Season

It's finally started - with new and returning members combined again, we have begun work on our marching, and our show, The Machines.

Practice started different than usual - three "stations" were set up in the band parking lot - a backwards marching station with Eric, a sliding station with Miss Milley, and a forward marching/marking time station with our new woodwind instructor, Alyssa.

After that, we did some of our new warm-ups with the entire band before splitting into woodwind and brass sections. Both sections dove deep into the opener (the only piece we currently have), and when we put it together, it's intensity definitely rivalled that of The Rise of The Samurai Warrior, our show last year.

Stay tuned for more updates on all of our practices, football games, and competitions!

You may have noticed the color changes to the blog - they are not final, but I would like new colors to reflect our new show.

Final Parade Practice

After another grueling 3-hour practice, the band is finally ready for the Memorial Day parade. With all of America The Beautiful memorized, and the entire band well-practiced in turning corners, we are all thoroughly prepared for the upcoming parade.

The practice started off with a quick, 20-minute warm up, and followed with the woodwinds and brass splitting off into sections. We shaped up our knowledge of America The Beautiful, then joined the brass, color guard, and drum line in the marching block, where we shaped up our marching.

This was followed by a great deal of time marching around the high school parking lot, periodically practicing America The Beautiful while simultaneously practicing our marching around corners. It was tedious, but I cannot say it was not productive.

And while our parade is coming up, excitement for the "season kick-off" meeting is building. This Wednesday, we will finally learn this year's show & theme...

A Splendid Little Practice

Wednesday's "mini-practice" proved to be much more productive then previously expected. The brass and woodwind sections split, each breaking down "America The Beautiful" into 4-measure chunks. Most of those present at practice have memorized most or all of the song, preparing us for the Memorial Day Parade.

And as our practice for the parade continues, the "Season Kick-Off Meeting" also nears. Less then two weeks away, we are awfully close to finally getting information on this season's show.

The Excitement Builds

Another 3-hour Monday rehearsal for marching band is out of the way, and the excitement for the upcoming season is building.

Because of the rain, we were forced to stay indoors - but that didn't stop this practice from being productive. We did plenty of work on backwards marching, and taught the new members "stop-n-gos". Unfortunately, due to a conflicting practice with County Band, many of the members that had shown up were forced to leave, bringing the morale of the group down just a bit more.

On the upside, we got plenty of memorization done for our upcoming Memorial Day Parade, where will we play America The Beautiful. With measures 1-57 memorized (out of a total of 76 measures), we are well on our way for the parade, which will take place in Rothsville.


In addition to this, we also got a sheet informing us of some upcoming band events, listed below:

Wednesday, May 20th, 7:30 P.M.

This is the date of the 2009 Marching Band Season kickoff meeting. At this very important meeting, students and parents will receive marching band information as well as all forms and schedules for the upcoming marching band season. In addition, the 2009 show music and theme will be announced and parents will have the opportunity to meet the 2009 marching band staff. Please join us for this exciting and important event at 7:30 P.M. in the high school large group room.

Monday, May 25th (Memorial Day)

This is the date of the annual Memorial Day Parade and Marching Band Picnic. All current high school marching band students are required to perform in the parade, unless they have already made other arrangements with Miss Milley. All current 8th grade students , who have been attending the evening marching band practices, are invited to perform in the parade. In addition, all current and new marching band families are invited to participate in the marching band picnic. More info will be coming as we approach the parade date.

In addition to the events listed above, this Wednesday we will be having an extra practice right after school, to accommodate for those who cannot make it to the regular rehearsals.

The excitement for the revealing of our show is building, and the meeting is just weeks away...

Back on Track

Last Monday we have our third practice of the year. We had plenty of new people, as well as more returning members than ever. It really felt like we were getting back on track, just like last year.

The practice itself was quite productive, as we taught backwards marching to the newbies as well as "fine tuning" their forward marching. We even got the first 40 measures of the national anthem memorized, and tracked the song in preparation of the upcoming Memorial Day Parade.

Practice Picks Up

Our second practice for marching band went much better than the first. Because we are practicing for the upcoming Memorial Day Parade, seniors were present, and it felt like we were getting "the gang" back together.

Having seniors there definitely improved the group's morale, and we got a lot accomplished. Although for veterans like me, it was quite boring. Learning something you already learned is one thing, but we're learning something we learned, mastered, and then got first place in the region for being so good at.


However, we also have a new clarinet player, which certainly improved my morale. She plays first chair in the middle school, so we will hopefully be just as good as last year.

We only have a few more practices until May 20, our "Season Kick-Off" meeting, where we will learn this year's show and prepare for the parade.