To spread some awareness on the workings of marching band, co-director Lindsey Meyer, junior Cliff LaMarca, and senior Camden Timberlake share their insight as different members of the band. The marching band works extensively together to perfect their performance for the Roncalli home football games and pep rallies, but there’s much more happening behind the scenes. Meyer explains the band’s schedule and practice times, emphasizing the hard work and dedication it takes to be a part of the marching band.
“We have a week-long band camp (7:30 am-3:00 pm) in July and then rehearse during 1st period and 2 hours a week on Tuesday evenings during the school year…Every rehearsal is different and based on our goals for the next performance,” Meyer said.
Meyer further explains the process by which music is chosen for the theme of each football game and the order in which the show is learned.
“We learn the show in this order: Opener (music/visuals/marching), Stand still (music/visuals), Drumline feature/Dance, and Closer (music/visuals/marching). Our goal is to add something new to each football game, so the majority of our time is spent on the next addition,” Meyer said.
LaMarca explained the different commands he gives to the band and his hopes and feelings about the band this year.
“I give many commands from attention, to horns up and down, mark time move, parade rest, and many others…I’m really proud of the work we have done this year, but we have a lot more work to do. We have many things we need to work on, but if we really start to try, we can thrive and I believe that we can be the best we have ever been,” LaMarca said.
Senior Camden Timberlake wishes people understood just how hard the band works to prepare for performances, and explains what she loves most about being in the band.
“Honestly, I love the people in the band the most. I enjoy the community and making music and working hard together to make something cool,” Timberlake said.
