Marching forward to what appears to be an exciting year is the Ontario band, boasting the largest number of students,143, since 2003.
Because of the increase of members, the band needed to purchase additional uniforms. With the community’s assistance, the band raised nearly $10,000 to fund the new uniforms for this year, as well as additional uniforms that may be needed the following year.
“The community response was fantastic,” stated Band Director Mike Schwall.
Band camp began on August 1, and in addition to strengthening their marching muscles, the students practiced some of the songs they will perform. This year, the band will be featuring music from the musical film, Grease. Schwall mentioned that they’re hoping to include a “mini car show” on the track during the Grease-themed halftime show, in which local car agencies or families may display their cars and perhaps drive them around the track.
They will also be performing music by 70s hard rock group, AC/DC. “The rock fans should like that,” stated Schwall. He added, “We’ll also be playing more contemporary music from artists like the Black Eyed Peas, Ke$ha, Fun, and Rihanna. We’re doing a little bit of everything.”
The band is joined by 20 Golden Girls, their drill team, and four majorettes.
Whereas all drill team members used to perform both a flag and kick routine in the halftime performances, there will now be a team of girls devoted entirely to kick and a team that focuses purely on flag. The drill team originally had this style in the 70s and 80s, but then combined the teams thereafter.
Fourteen girls make up the kick squad, and six girls participate in the flag team.
Auxiliary Director Robin Meligan, stated, “I think the switch is going really well because it gives girls the opportunity to focus on one thing, whether kick or flag, and it gives them the chance to shine in the area they’re great at.” She added, “With the extended time they spend on their routines, the flag team, for instance, is incorporating more challenging tricks into their routines.”
Later on in the school year, the band will travel to Chicago, (pending approval of an audition tape which is due in the fall), where they will perform in the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
“Marching in the parade will be the focus of the trip, but we’ll also spend time sight-seeing and we’ll be going to a Blue Man Group show,” said Schwall.
Band members will take a bus to Chicago in March where they will stay Friday – Sunday.
To check out their first performance, go to Copeland Field at Ontario High School on August 30, when the Warrior football team will face the Lexington Minutemen.
They will also be performing music by 70s hard rock group, AC/DC. “The rock fans should like that,” stated Schwall. He added, “We’ll also be playing more contemporary music from artists like the Black Eyed Peas, Ke$ha, Fun, and Rihanna. We’re doing a little bit of everything.”
