MARCHING BAND UNCOVERED
Marching Band and Color Guard Prepare for Competition
Sam Oliver, Reporter and Photographer
September 28, 2022
From above the bleachers, they’re ants. From below, they’re the marching band.
Fall sports have begun for all schools, but marching band has started over the summer. Days and weeks worth of practice was made through band camps before the school’s regulated schedules. The marching band gave a new order/position, and the season’s music. The marching band’s featured music is only played at halftime of football games, as well as competitions and festivals.
Drumline plays an important role of staying in time for the band, while colorguard provides synchronized choreo to interpret music through dance. Band director Joseph Hill has been working on the band’s featured music, The Hero’s Journey.
“I would expect the same thing from them that I expect every year,” Hill said. “Which is for them to give us their hundred percent best effort, perform at a level that is what they’re capable of and represent Raytown in a positive way.”
Hill explained he was aware of the challenges and struggles made by the band and understands the situation.
“New members learning new stuff that’s very informed to them, new visual techniques for the whole band this year, which they’re doing a great job in absorbing,” Hill said. “But it’s new for everybody, so that’s a work in progress for everybody.”
The marching band can't slow down until after the season ends. One whole show consisted of multiple sets and stages throughout the piece itself.
The number of color guard members has decreased through the years. Color Guard isn’t for everyone, but they happen to be the most productive when it comes to synchronizing the band in choreographed routines.
“It’s really fun,” senior Octavia Duarte said. “It’s not boring or anything like that, but for anyone who is definitely interested in the band itself, try colorguard.”
Competitions and other festivals were their main goal in getting the highest score possible.
“We’re still several weeks out from our first festival and I think if the kids keep working hard, I think we’ll be prepared when we get there,” Hill said. “But we’re not ready yet, but I think we will be when we get there.”