By Isabella Zarate
As the school year is just beginning, the Heritage Marching Band is already preparing for its upcoming season.
On July 30, members from the Heritage Marching Band came together for first year orientation. Following orientation, the students attended Band Camp, which took place August 1-5.
With 35 members in this season’s band, the group had a variety of things to work on over the course of camp.
According to Band Director, Justin Lee, “We worked on the fundamentals of marching, learning the show music, learning the drill for the show on the field, and lots of team building.”
The band is expected to have a busy year ahead with five performances on the schedule. Though, despite their busy agendas, Lee hopes the students find time to slow down and think about some things.
“I always want the students to understand that the process – why and how we do things – is more important than the outcome.”
Lee continues, “If they can see the value in the attention to detail, the breaking down of everything to its fundamental skills, and the necessity of each person’s best effort, then the season is a success.”
With success in mind, the director wants his students to see that their time with the band is about more than just winning.
“Trophies are nice – we’ve done pretty well in that area – but the development of an appreciation for their role in the bigger picture of the ensemble is much more important.”
In terms of what to expect for this season, Lee explains that the theme for this year’s show is “The Great Locomotive Chase”. While the idea is based on a notable concert band composed by Robert W. Smith, the students’ version will be arranged by Eric Rath.
Lee notes that the students’ modified piece “adds a beautiful brass choir version of Shenandoah in the middle, and concludes with the original ending of the concert piece.”
As it was one amongst various options, Lee ultimately chose “The Great Locomotive Chase for two main reasons.
“I’m always looking for a show that is both entertaining and challenging, and this fit the bill for this group. It requires a strong brass section, and we’re fortunate to have that this year.”
For those interested in catching the Heritage Marching Band in action, they will be performing in the Westville Labor Day Parade on September 5.
