The Heritage High School Marching Band is actively engaged in its competitive season, having inaugurated its series of performances on September 16 in Monticello.
The band is slated for subsequent appearances in Danville on October 7 and in Effingham on October 21.
Under the guidance of Band Director Mr. Justin Lee, this year’s repertoire has been meticulously selected. The chosen centerpiece is “Brave New World” by the Texas-based composer, Luke McMillan, who is renowned for his compositions tailored for smaller educational institutions. This piece seamlessly integrates McMillan’s original “Brave New World” with interpretations of the Largo and Finale from Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony #9 “From the New World.”
Lee said, “I selected this music because it fit our group so well – we are young but fantastically talented and balanced, so I wanted a show that highlighted that.”
Notably, this season will not spotlight any soloists. However, Lee extolled the collective strengths of the ensemble, specifically lauding an exceptional drum-line anchored by two seasoned senior members. Comprising 26 dedicated members, this year’s cohort displays a marked proclivity for measured and deliberate communication. Their presentation is streamlined, encompassing only the core band, guard, and pit. Yet, they have introduced new uniforms, which, as per Lee, are of distinguished aesthetic appeal.
In anticipation of the competitive season, the ensemble undertook an intensive five-day training camp. Each session, spanning five hours, was dedicated to mastering the intricacies of the performance.
“We covered musical and marching fundamentals, and really spent a lot of time on group dynamics. When a band ‘gets along’ and is close, they play better, and they are invested in the overall product,” Lee said.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the camp, stating, “At the end of every camp, I want students to know their contribution is essential, and that the bar will rise a bit with every rehearsal. We came out of camp with the bones of the entire show in place, and the music was excellent.”
This preparatory phase is of paramount importance, given that, during the academic year, the ensemble is restricted to three 45-minute practice sessions weekly, thus constraining their preparatory timeline.
Lee envisions that participants will internalize the ethos of consistent and methodical progression as a means to achieve performance excellence. Reflecting on the broader life skills imparted through band participation, he highlighted three core tenets: “1) In many ways, this is the largest group project they’ll ever do. It only works at an “A” level when everyone does their job. 2) Leaders don’t need titles – they are the best, positive examples the group sees day in and day out. 3) The world needs 2nd and 3rd parts as much as it needs 1st parts and soloists – those who aren’t the ‘main’ roles are often the most essential.”
