BY JENNA KISER, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- The Marching Band Program is another prized joy at Blythewood High School since it has been up and running since 2005.
James Barnes, the Director of the BHS Marching Band, shared his Goals for this upcoming Marching Band Season. Barnes’s goals for the 2016-2017 are “The students are going to get the most out of the experience.” Barnes also hopes that this season they are able to go to all of their performances.
Barnes really hopes is that this Marching Band comes closer together “more like a family.” He hopes going to bigger performances like the Indianapolis Super Regionals.
Caleb Gantt a junior at BHS will be in the 2016-2017 Marching Band Program as a senior. Gantt explains what Maching Band really is. “Marching isn’t just walking… there is technique involved in Marching you don’t just walk around.”
He explains that members have to engage muscles that they wouldn’t normally engage while marching. “You have to move in a way you wouldn’t normally move while walking.”
Gantt also explains his goals for the 2016 -2017 Marching Band Season.
“My goal for this season is to perform to the best of my abilities and do the best I can.”
He also hopes that the new freshman come in and dedicate themselves to the program. He would also like to see people already in the program work harder so this year they can get better placements and perform better overall.
Gantt also describes summer practices as one of the worst things about Marching Band. Summer practice or “Band Camp” is a camp that they go to for two weeks from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and learn drill, music, and basic marching techniques.
Meagan Kiser a senior at Blythewood High School hopes to come back next year and see the Band Program better than last year. She hopes to see more people in the color guard and more “drive” in the students.
Kiser also gave some advice to future band or color guard members.
“What you put in, is what you get out. The last day and the last competition don't expect to get something that you haven’t worked for all season. If you don’t put it in everyday at rehearsal and every competition and every football game and every day during class when you practice you’re not going to get the results you want at the end of the season.”
