 |
|
| Wake up Appalachian, the band is ready |
Jana Nordstrand
Staff Writer
Clubs / Organizations Beat |
Jacque Lenz | The Appalachian |
Only one sound can stir
the west side of campus from a peaceful slumber at 8 a.m. on a Saturday
morning—the Appalachian State University Marching Band.
Such a sound thunders through the air as the band
practices before each football game to prepare for the halftime performance.
Rain or shine, fingers dance on keys and feet march in time to the
music. Between competition from Papa John’s pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers
and the overall social scene during halftime at Appalachian football
games, the band plays on. |
The “Band Olympics,”
held as a social event on Sunday, let a group of almost 200 students,
representing more than 10 different instruments, cut loose from the
pressure of being North Carolina’s Band of Distinction. Amidst
flying water balloons and out-of-control volleyballs, passers-by might
not recognize the dedication and commitment these members have to
their performances.
Last year Scott Tobias took on the position as band director and has
since made some positive changes. This year, members will memorize
the music. With the removal of wobbly flip-folders, motions like horn
flashes will no longer be restricted.
“The memorization of the music will help the musicians to focus
more on the formation and the lines because it frees up their eyes.
It seems like asking them to memorize music would be more work, but
before they had the music memorized, they just didn’t know it,”
said Tobias.
Extra work is the last thing band members need with such a demanding
and rigorous practice schedule. The week before school even begins
the Appalachian Marching Band participates in band camp, which consists
of all-day practices in order to get a head start on the music.
They can be found marching the field at Kidd Brewer Stadium every
Tuesday and Thursday from noon until 2 p.m., the most sweltering time
of day, and of course, Saturdays before Appalachian football games.
They are also required to take a class and attend weekly practices
with their sections.
The work ethic of the band showed most profoundly after the events
of 9-11. The morning of that horrifying day, the band had a noon practice
at Kidd Brewer Stadium. After a discussion of what was going through
everyone’s mind, someone suggested they play the national anthem.
They then turned and faced the field house, stood at attention and
played until the powerful sound echoed around campus.
“It was a very powerful moment I will never forget,” said
Zack Ortman, a senior psychology major.
Tobias then scrapped the show they had originally been working on
and wrote a new piece in honor of 9-11. The band learned the show
in just three rehearsals without complaint.
Such a time commitment does come with benefits.
With all the hours the band spends together rehearsing, the bonds
they share surpass the level of peers or the ties of friendship and
they become more like a family.
“It’s not going to be hard trying to fit in because everyone
is here to help each other. If one person is not here, we all feel
it,” said Drew Taylor, a freshman.
This year the band plans to learn three different shows: “The
Wiz,” Classic Chicago, and a Classical Review.
With only five home games this year, some shows may be repeated. They
will not be traveling this year due to high costs and great traveling
distances.
When freshman enter the Appalachian State Marching Band, they face
all the challenges the rest of the band confronts, but they first
must go through a transition period.
“With the fact that freshman are coming in from different schools,
they are coming from several different programs where they all have
a different way of doing things,” said Tobias.
“The biggest challenge for me is going to be learning how to
play the mellophone because it is so hard to hold up. I am actually
developing muscles in my arms,” said freshman music major Laura
Compton.
A rarity is a student who has been in the band four years. One such
rarity, Lisa Kwong, looks forward to yet another year on the field.
“I have been marching since I was in the eighth grade and it
is a part of me. I feel lucky because I am able to contribute to my
school. I have made amazing friendships, and I have been able to play
music,” said Kwong, a senior English major who plays the clarinet.
At only 30 percent music majors, the band is an organization that
still remains diverse in its members and their interests. Auditions
are not required, just prior experience. From the sights and sounds
of it, what an amazing experience it must be. |
|
 |
 |
