The Spartan Marching Band’s most recent halftime performance has set the new standard for musical excellence. During the opening game of the season, the Spartan Marching Band debuted their “Stadium Sing-along Show.” The performance captivated the stands and showcased the band’s immense talent.
The first home game of the season took place on Aug. 30; band members had limited time to prepare for their much-anticipated performance. Spartan musicians spent approximately four hours per night during marching band camp practicing for their debut. Drum majors and field leaders taught the band how to march and execute drills, while section leaders focused on developing deeper connections.
Marching band camp is an essential step in prepping for the upcoming marching season, as it provides an opportunity to learn the music, marching and valuable teamwork skills. Senior clarinet player Maylasia Hall reflected on the teamwork skills developed during marching band camp. “Marching band camp really contributed to our success on Friday night because we learned how to help each other and collaborate together well,” Hall said.
“Marching Band Camp is essential for our success under the Friday Night Lights for many reasons. It helps everyone get back into the groove of marching and teaching the freshmen how to march. While these things are very important, it is more important for the upperclassmen to build relationships with the freshmen,” said sophomore trumpet player Connor Staab.
Other band members appreciate the impact that marching band camp has had on their lives both inside and outside of band. “Band camp puts your effort and musicality to the test but it is something I look forward to every year and I hope some of the hard work carries down for years to come. Without the countless hours of hard work from so many people, it never would have gotten to be such a memorable experience and I will be forever grateful for all it has helped me to become both in and out of the band program,” said senior field leader Brooke Yulga.
The performance started with the patriotic tune “America Fantasy” arranged by Brad Pearson, followed by the Star Spangled Banner and the Spartan Fight Song. The band creatively spelled out “S-P-A-R-T-A-N-S” across the football field, prompting thunderous applause and cheering from amazed onlookers. For their halftime show, the band performed “Take Me Home, Country Roads” “Sweet Caroline” and “Hey Jude.”
The Spartan Band will continue to impress with their upcoming show “Animation Domination,” featuring music from popular animated movies. The show taking place Friday, Sept.13th will involve more complicated marching and technically challenging music.
