Most residents have only seen the marching band at a public event, a parade or a football game. These exhibitions, however, are very different than a competition day. Competing bands meet at various venues across Connecticut and beyond. Each band has a specific time assigned to take the field, and must perform at least 13 minutes of material. Bands are critiqued by professional musicians, teachers, and the like. Bands are judged based on individual, ensemble and visual performance, and also the band’s overall effect.
A lot of preparation goes on behind the scenes to get the band on the field for judging. Students, staff and volunteers arrive at the high school early in the morning and setup inside, or on the practice field. Rehearsals begin promptly and the band, under the instruction of staff, spends hours working on the program of music. Sometimes they will work specific sections of music many times to achieve the desired tempo, dynamic or visual effect. Every band member has a series of marks to hit on the field on cue.
While the band practices for hours prior to leaving East Haven for competition, lunch is supplied by generous donations from band families, and served by volunteers. Later the band changes into their uniforms and more volunteers provide support by loading up the trailer with instruments, props and wardrobe racks. The Yellow Jackets then travel to the venue where they will compete that day. Once they arrive at a competition site, the buses and trailers unload and setup, and rehearsals resume until it’s time to perform their routine in front of the judges on the field.
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Many months of preparation lead up to competition season. The EHHS Yellow Jacket Marching Band begins scheduled practices in May each school year for competitions in October. They continue practicing during Band Camp each summer, where they practice the basics and incorporate incoming freshmen into the unit. Once they master the fundamentals of marching on the field, they begin to learn the drill, the series of formations that every member of the band moves through in time with the music. The group operates as a whole unit but is often broken up into sections according to type of instrument or element utilized. For instance, color guard will work on its portion of the program, while percussion may be elsewhere rehearsing at the same time for various periods. In the case of musical instruments, these smaller groups are called “sectionals”. This learning process leads directly into the next school year. Once school begins, the practice schedule picks up as the band continues to prepare for the competitive season.
A dedicated staff oversees this entire process. Matt Laudano, Band Director, knows the band from a unique standpoint. Having been a member of the band himself under the supervision of former EHHS band director Michael Martino Jr., Mr. Laudano spent several years as the band’s Pit Instructor, directing Percussion. He is now in his third season as the band’s director. We are fortunate to also have a fine Color Guard Instructor, Mary-Ann Bucci. Rounding out the team that brings the best out of the band we have: John Moynihan, Field Percussion; Sargent Joseph Payne, Brass Instructor; Ray Clark, Drill Writer and Marching Instructor; Mark Huggins, Pit Instructor; Joe Caruso, Asst. Pit Instructor.
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This year’s theme is “Rhapsody”. Musical selections include, “Hungarian Rhapsody” by Franz Liszt (1811-1886), “Rhapsody In Blue” by George Gershwin (1898-1937) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddie Mercury (1946-1991). The material, which has been arranged specifically for the band, is dynamic and entertaining with several feature moments and solos.
The band will take the field at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford for its second competition of the season later today, October 5th. While hoping to build on their successful win last week in New Milford, the kids aim to stay grounded and focused as they strive to perform better and better at each opportunity. The kids play to win. But, no matter the outcome of the competition, the band maintains its solidarity as a unit. This is exemplified by their motto, “Where We Go One, We Go All.”
The commitment that these students, staff, and many parents and volunteers put forth is rewarded not only by the sound of applause, but by consistent high scores from independent judges from the USBands, the governing body under which our band participates in competitions. More importantly, the students grow as musicians and individuals through playing and working together. Off the field, students and parents volunteer many hours fundraising to help cover the many costs associated with competition season.
In the coming days and weeks, be on the lookout for reports on the outcome of competitions here on Patch! We look forward to sharing this experience with the entire community. Look for an update from this week’s competition later today.
Additional information and resources can be found at: http://ehhsmb.weebly.com
For those wishing to attend an upcoming competition, updated scheduling information including performance times can be obtained via the USBands website: http://trigonroad.com/yea/schedule.cfm
