While the temperature’s occasional “football weather” dips have gently reminded people of the approaching autumn, the Galion High School (GHS) marching band is busy practicing in full-on preparation mode for the upcoming 2014-2015 season. Over the weekend, they added a fundraiser to their activities.
On Saturday, Aug. 9, 25 GHS band members and several parents gathered in the Discount Drug Mart parking lot in front of the school to host a car wash. The group worked for 4 hours, and managed to raise $445.10.
Band Director Jessica Hammond and Assistant Director Fred Rinehart appreciate the community support, as this money will go towards paying to bus the band to and from the upcoming football games. Discount Drug Mart was also a large help itself, allowing the band use of its water, equipment, and parking lot space.
The next fundraiser will be a pie sale around Thanksgiving time, and the proceeds from that go towards the band’s general needs.
Band camp began for 50 GHS students on Aug. 5, during which students report to the school 8 a.mm-12 p.m. Monday-Friday. The band members spend their last few weeks of summer until school marching and playing and performing drill. They begin their typical day spending roughly two hours outside learning and repeating their drill charts.
Charted by Director Jessica Hammond these drill charts dictate all of the movements, including where the students need to go, how to get there, and when. Next, individual sections work on memorizing and perfecting their music. Finally, the band combines for a full music rehearsal.
Though camp is hard work, it’s also fun. The players have themed days such as Superhero Day, Solid Color Day, Eighties Day, Twin Day, Crazy Sock Day, and Crazy Hair Day. During these days they get to dress up wildly and spice up the long and hot days. Another element that makes the work worth it is the fact that, for many, band is like a family.
For example, the band’s president for the 2014-2015 season and senior Tiffany Burchett has been in band since fifth grade. She says that her favorite thing about band “would have to be the members and the overall experience.”
“Band not only allows you to express yourself but you also get to make so many wonderful friends and form many relationships along the way,” said Burchett, “Another perk of being a member of the marching band is the actual performance and getting fans excited, especially with the bigger focus on stands tunes and cheers to get game-goers involved this upcoming year. During half time all eyes are on the band and they get the much-deserved opportunity to show off their hard work and musical talent.
For a preview and to see all the effort the Galion High School marching band has been putting in before football season starts, catch them in Bucyrus’ Bratwurst Festival parade at 4 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 16.
