Superior Sound 'In Synch' at State Band Festival

Every Friday night during high school football season, fans go under the bright lights to cheer on their favorite varsity football team. Some dress in their school colors; others, like the mascot, supports the team from the sidelines of the gridiron. But, there’s an unofficial “fifth quarter”, where high school band, color guard and auxiliary units take the spotlight. Depending on which team has home field advantage, the band performs pre-game, at half-time or post-game to entertain the audience. Nonetheless, there are countless hours of preparation and coordination that take place behind the scenes before one step is taken on the field.

The “season” begins in August with band camp. During the fall, the band may also perform at pep rallies, local parades and several band competitions. The highlight culminates in a judged performance at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) statewide marching festival which takes place over the course of two weekends at seven different sites.

Last Saturday, Cosby, Clover Hill, Manchester and Midlothian High School bands participated in the statewide assessment. James River and Monacan High School marching bands will be evaluated on Oct. 30 when they travel to the southeast site at Warhill High School in Williamsburg. VBODA, a unit of the Virginia Music Educators Association, is comprised of all of the band and orchestra teachers in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“Band camp starts in August and lasts for three weeks,” explained Jenny Ryan, Monacan High School Bands Director, “We practice four days a week, eight hours a day during camp. Once school starts we rehearse every day after school for an hour and a half.”

To prepare for the marching season, band directors choose show music, write a “drill” – the movement between each individual configuration that the band makes on the field during the show - teach marching fundamentals, and collaborate with specialized instructors and section leaders to be ready to execute a show.

“It always starts two weeks before teachers report for the before-school work week. Our color guard and percussion start practicing together the week before band camp starts,” said Midlothian High School Band Director Gordon Rawls. “During camp, we rehearse music inside in large groups and break into smaller sections to work on memorization and instrument-specific playing techniques.”

As auxiliary units of the marching band, majorettes and the flag squad, called the color guard, work on the fundamentals of how to correctly twirl the baton or spin the flags and memorize the routine that they will perform in conjunction with the music. James River High School band, known as “The Regiment”, is the only band in Midlothian with a featured majorette, who twirls a fire baton.

By participating in showcases, competitions and festivals like the VBODA assessment, marching bands of all student-population sizes from A to AAAA have the opportunity to observe their peers, receive feedback on their routines and increase the level of their performances. The Manchester High School Marching Lancers Band earned a rating of “Excellent” at the VBODA State Marching Assessment.

Because band is a performance-based activity, if every member does not do their part, then the entire group is affected. Each member has a role to play in its success. Clover Hill High School Marching Cavaliers Band Director Steven Conley, who is also the Performing Arts Department Chair, pointed out that the band demands high levels of responsibility, social skills, and analytical talents. “It also takes ongoing communication and teamwork,” he said. For the sixth time in its history, the Marching Cavaliers received a rating of “Superior” based on their music, marching, and visual performance.

Earl E. Shaffer, Jr., Cosby High School Band Director has a unique perspective on the VBODA state assessment. He has been participating in this event since 1982, during its initial year. The Cosby Titan Band earned a unanimous rating of “Superior”, one of only four bands in their classification. The Titans were praised on their musicianship skills, discipline, marching, flags, and overall effectiveness of the total program.

Bands that receive a rating of “Superior” at the State Marching Band Assessment and the State Concert Band Assessment are recognized by the VBODA as a Commonwealth of Virginia Honor Band. Only the finest bands across the state earn this prestigious recognition.

Check next week’s edition for results and a recap of Saturday’s final VBODA assessment where James River and Monacan High Schools will perform.