Concert Band Killed the Marching Band Stars?

Two weeks, two TOBs for MP's band. This week was much improved over last week. I was pleased tonight with not only their improvement but how close they were (in my eyes) to their other in class competitor. I don't know the scores yet, though. Last week MP had the solo, with three members of his band being benched for violating a rule on the day of the show. This type of discipline is hard on the kids who had to sit and those who had to step up. And for that reason is was absolutely the right thing to do.

Last week at our own show I got a chance - between volunteer obligations - to watch most of the Group 2 bands. When they finished, I ranked my top 3, and the judges agreed.

Patuxent HS brought a "Bacchanale" to the field, calling up the spirit of past shows by the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps. Annapolis Area Christian School went the other direction, focusing on the Love of God. (Yes, I shortened the title.) Both performances were were musically and visually stimulating and well performed at this point in the season. AACS seems to be more of a "part 2" on a twist on last year, but still was well done.

Huntingtown HS, however, landed clearly in the mid 80s in points and in their theme, "Video Killed the Radio Star." Taking a string of early MTV hits one usually doesn't think of as translating well to the marching field, this band made the music, well, musical, and the visuals complemented the sound on the field. I had the chance to pass my impressions on to some parents, and one nearby young man commented on how much he liked the show and wished he had the chance to perform it (having just graduated). That is a great compliment to the band director and the band.

Tonight, I want to give a special "shout out" to Chesapeake HS and La Plata HS, Group 1 bands. When you have fewer than 20 members, it sometimes is hard to do a marching band show, much less one with more complex music. Chesapeake presented "Into the Darkness" with music of Bach and Saint-Saens; La Plata went dark as well with music of Danny Elfman. Both took advantage of the talent available, and delivered engaging shows.

Marching band has definately not killed the concert band stars. And concert band stars shouldn't kill the marching stars, either. I fear this is happening in too many schools. If it is happening - or may happen - in a school near you, there are four weeks left in the season. Take someone to see that marching band is definately a musical program, the most visible one a school has!