High school football kicks off this weekend and with it marching band season.
Some high schoolers spent last week getting ready for the band season at band camp hosted by Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Amy Wang was in marching band in high school and college. She’s been helping out as a color guard instructor for about 10 years.
One of her favorite things about band camp, is seeing the progression of the students.
“It’s pretty amazing what they can do in one week,” she says.
Amy says anybody wanting to be in the color guard should be prepared to work hard, have lots of spirit, but to remember to enjoy the moment.
Not only do they have to memorize all the music and choreography, but they have to perform in all sorts of weather conditions- all while carrying and playing their instruments.
Although he's an adult, Tom Clair still describes himself as a band geek. He’s the Director of Bands at Kingsley Area Schools, and is entering his 38th year of teaching band. While he concedes that marching band probably isn’t his favorite type of band, it's the most important.
He says people come to watch football, but they get exposed to their band as well.
“Quite honestly, many of those people will not see a band concert, but they are seeing a football game, and so they’re seeing the marching band," he says.
Are you a band geek? Be sure to read this article to find out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq3-6ZcbJVc