Marching band to perform "Eclipse" this fall

Audrey Shabelski
WHS Class of 24

(9/2022) The Walkersville High School Marching Band has had a busy summer. Between weekly practices and two intensive weeks of band camp, they have been hard at work in the sun learning four songs as well as drill (movement and positioning) in the show. The incredible effort that it takes for students to create an entire halftime show, as well as prepare for competitions across the state, is rewarded tenfold with lasting friendships and endless opportunities.

This year, the band will perform "Eclipse," a show meant to represent the battling forces of light and dark. Music for the show is arranged by Randall Standridge.

Each member of the band plays a different role in putting the show together. Annabelle Miller, low brass section leader and WHS senior, described her responsibilities as "...being in charge of making sure my section is updated on information and that they know and understand their music and drill." The band's drill is the breakdown of movements from one form to another as they create shapes and play music--this "choreography" is often what makes a show feel complete.

Ninth grade mallet player Jake McNiesh says, "As a member of the pit [percussion], I am responsible for helping to move equipment to and from the field and band room. I am also responsible for being prepared and being on time so that rehearsal can go on and so that I don’t take away from everyone else…"

Rehearsals certainly aren’t the only things to look forward to when it comes to marching band. There are also parades, football games, and competitions, as well as the Frederick County Public Schools Marching Band Showcase which takes place every fall. Last year the band played at the public library, Walkersville tree lighting, and Kris Kringle parade.

"I’m really looking forward to this year’s show," said color guard section leader Cheyanne Offutt." I’m excited to see it completely finished and see videos and photos of us performing!"

11th grade woodwind section leader Kai Kamakaris said, "I am looking forward to seeing how much we progress and get done. I think we're going to have a great season and I'm just excited for all of it, really."

With students going back to school earlier this year, it has been a little jarring to return to long days of studying, especially with practices twice a week and all-day competitions most Saturdays. The question for many, especially students who may be considering joining the band, is how do students manage to balance school with rehearsal?

For the veteran marchers in the band, setting goals and priorities in their day is one of the most important steps to finding balance between band and school. Said Offutt, "I prioritize my schoolwork over anything, so the first thing in my day to day schedule is finishing any classwork and homework on time. I use the time after school to catch up on chores around the house and then I attend rehearsal in the evenings."

McNiesh said, "Marching band is my number one priority. I practice my violin after school and before band practice, while having a lesson on Fridays. On Mondays, I have rehearsal for the Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra… Besides this, I have Wednesday nights free and I am able to have two days with after school activities and then a day off. Music is pretty much most of my life."

Then there is junior Zac Clemence, co-drum major of the 2022 Marching Lions, who says, "Band can be a tricky thing to balance in your schedule because of the time commitment, so I try to schedule my harder classes in the second semester when marching band is over and I have more time in the evenings for homework."

Clemence will share his drum major duties with Julianna Janke this season.

All members of the band have their own stories about how and why they joined the band. Each one is unique, showing that band is for anyone and everyone.

"I did the Junior Marching Lions events like the Memorial Day Parade when I was in sixth grade and had so much fun that I knew I wanted to pursue marching band," said Kamakaris.

The Junior Marching Lions program at Walkersville Middle School is a wonderful way to get started for younger students who are interested in joining the high school band.

Clemence says, "The thing that got me into marching band was my director Mr. Loy. One day in my concert band class, in the last week of my freshman year, he said I was in the band even though I hadn't signed up. From that point forward I knew I couldn't back out, and I'm happy I didn't."

This is band director Alexander Loy’s sixth year at Walkersville High, and he is a popular figure for those in marching band and in other music classes.

Across the board, band members all share the fact that band is something that has positively changed their lives for the better. In some cases it’s the music; in others it’s the thrill of performing; but in most it is the relationships developed within the organization.

Said Clemence, "My favorite part of the band is the people in it. As fun as playing and performing music is, it's really the interactions with the other people in the band and the sense of community which makes it so fun--and what made me fall in love with it."

Offutt agrees, saying that the best parts of the band for her are "...the people and the feeling of belonging to a group who share the same passions as you and welcome you with open arms!"

Marching band has truly made an impact not only on the students of WHS, but the community as well. Although it is a lot of work, participation in the marching band has allowed them to play challenging music, perform weekly, and make friends that they may never have met otherwise. Friendships built between the members of the band have truly been what has made the program so special.

Be sure to catch the band’s halftime show during football season, or attend any of their numerous competitions throughout the fall, starting with September football games!