Competition Season
The band competed at the Harrison Marching Band Festival on October 12. They placed 2nd in 5A and 3rd overall. Their show “Medusa” tells the story of the Gorgan woman who had snakes living in her hair. She was said to be so hideous that anyone who looked at her would turn to stone. The band performance starts after she transforms into Medusa, “so the beginning of it is very intense and loud,” explained Kate Margrave, band director. “The middle part is more reflective and quieter,” she said. The ending goes back to the intensity of Medusa’s visage and ends with all the band members turning to stone under her gaze.
The band is sporting a new look this year because they’ve outgrown their stock of jackets which were 16 years old. With 116 members of the band, it was more economical to purchase performance tops sporting Pine Creek colors than to buy new uniforms. The color guard uniforms are designed to look like snakes.
The next opportunity to see their performance is on October 16 at the CBA State Qualifier at Fountain Fort Carson, 900 Jimmy Camp Rd, Fountain, CO, the band performs at 8:00. Another performance this week is on October 19 at the Englewood Friendship Cup, 3800 S Logan St, Englewood, CO. The band performs at noon.
Marching Band is a competitive and supportive sport. It allows students to make friends and develop their musical skills. Although it may not seem like a sport, it’s very physically demanding to play an instrument while executing precise drill and choreography. Being a band member means you must put in maximum effort. Attending practices 4-5 times a week for 90 minutes each.
Playing the instrument and perfecting movements required to put on an award-winning show that takes many hours of dedication and practice. “You can show your the best of the best by performing it,” said Jacob Richardson (10). “When you are playing you are in the state of having butterflies in your stomach.”
Most of all, band is a place for students to feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves, and to find friendships with other students. “Members love playing music and joking with each other when they mess up a part,” said James Fuentes (10).
Supporting School Spirit
The band not only competes, but they support the football team at home games whenever possible. The band takes time to learn new songs and to learn new instruments. It’s important to know your role in the band and to make sure you play your part. Each part is important to the overall performance of the group; each member plays a vital part. “Every performance is a new experience even if you are not new,” said Dexter Jago (10). “Most of the pep band performances are fun to play and loud. It keeps up with the game tempo and creates opportunities for the fans to cheer on the sport.”
The band has moved to the north side of the home bleachers to accommodate their larger size. “This is so much better because before we felt really cramped up next to the student section,” said Lucius Quain (12).
After competition season, they also attend all the indoor sporting events that they can, including most home basketball games.
“I really think the band’s presence increases school spirit wherever we are,” said drum major, Daniela Gilbert (12).
