Weekly Editorial
October 2, 2006

How Much Work Does It Take?

Just what goes into that fabulous half-time Instrumental Band Performance that we enjoy on Friday nights? How in the world are all of the marching drill movements of those ninety-three band members coordinated and sequenced resulting in precise symmetrical shapes and designs on the field? And, how is it possible to collectively perform a wonderful piece of music while completing those complex marching arrangements? The answer – a lot of hard work!

It all starts in the spring when the specific music piece is selected and edited by Mr. Bennett. Identifying a key theme, ensuring variety and a degree of difficulty, and customizing percussion arrangements are all part of this preparation work. The designing of the marching drill choreography begins in early summer and is the most time consuming task. This process may take up to 200 hours. The style of the drill must relate to the music whether it is smooth, flowing, fast or exciting. The instruments with the melody must be strategically placed on the field for maximum musical effect and to ensure smooth transition between pieces. Such a drill may result in 5,000 moves per performance! This does not include ensuring all students are playing their music at the same time and incorporating proper tone, intonation, technique, rhythm and style. This combining physical movement with creative and interpretive stimulation requires the ultimate coordination between the right and left side of the brain. No wonder band students are smart!

Under the direction of Mr. Bennett and five additional instructors, all of this is learned and practiced under the hot sun during a weeklong band camp at Lake Superior State University. After fifty hours of hard work over a five-day period, the show takes shape. It is fine tuned at additional evening practices and daily band class when school starts. Whew! That’s a lot of work. But look at the result – the best small to medium size school marching band performance in all of Michigan! This past Saturday, the Band had a stellar “Earth, Wind and Fire” performance at the Kenowa Hills Competition in Grand Rapids (beating most of the Class A & B Bands!).

Come watch this great performance at the special Bands Around the Bay event this Saturday, October 7th at 7:30 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. They also will be performing at the two remaining home football games on October 13th and 20th. Don’t miss the greatest show in Northern Michigan!