Andover Marching Band to Host Invitational Competition

The Andover High School marching band will host a judged exhibition with five other area marching bands 6:30-8:30 p.m. this Saturday on Baron Field. The family friendly "Early Bird Invitational" will provide an opportunity for the bands to showcase their skills in a unique environment. Admission is $5, and refreshments will be available at the concession stand.

The marching band traditionally spends a busy week rehearsing for the new season at its annual band camp at Hillsdale College. This year, the band kicked off its season on Aug. 6 with a performance of its new show titled "Reminiscence," which featured songs the band has performed over the last 25 years. It took on added significance because of the pending consolidation of Andover and Lahser high schools and all their programs in 2013, said Robert Ambrose, Andover High School band director.

"We think about how the next two years are going to be a time of  looking back to what we've been and looking forward to a great future in what will be," he said.

The performances this year will capture memories spanning shows back to 1993, including songs from Walt Disney, Blues Brothers and Beatles shows.

The Andover marching band has consistently received Division 1 ratings at MSBOA Marching Band Festival. It will also perform live at the following Andover home football games: 

• Sept. 23 
• Oct. 6 
• Oct. 14 *Homecoming 
• Oct. 21 *combined marching band performs at Lahser

This article was submitted by Patch reader Brenda Zureick, the mother of three current or former Bloomfield Hills Schools students, including a senior at Andover. She is helping promote the Andover Instrumental Music Society.

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