Band is on a roll

By: Suzanne J

                In band, you need commitment, self-discipline, and the ability have fun and work hard at the same time. There are many opportunities that band can give you. It is not just an extra curricular that teaches you to play an instrument.

Valley is off to a great start this year with the band members gearing up for pep band at football games and for pep rallies under the direction of Mrs. Susan Brackett. At the last home football game against East Buchanan, the band members from the high school and junior high started a new tradition by playing on the field in a tunnel formation as the football players came running onto the field. In the past, the band has played in the stands as the players ran out, so this was a new experience for everyone. The band practiced on the field and in the parking lot for weeks to prepare.

All this marching was very good practice for the band’s performance in the Wadena Days Parade on Sunday, Sept. 20.  This was the band’s only parade experience planned for the year.

For the younger band members, the 5^th grade band got the excitement of getting their own instruments last week. They will be under the direction of Mr. Richard Palucci. The 5^th grade band’s first practice was last week when they learned how to work their instruments, and attempt simple notes.

The band has many events planned throughout the school year, such as holiday concerts, Band-O-Rama, and small and large group contests. The band has not been very large the past few years, but everyone pitches in to sound amazing and make people want to watch and listen. Magazine sales are also coming up, and that will help with fundraising for the next band trip in 2012.  The band also has a great opportunity this year to participate in Elkader’s presentation of The Music Man on Oct. 3 at the Elkader Opera House. They will be playing “76 Trombones” in the production.

Band provides a great opportunity for junior high or high school students to grow musically, and also provides great music for the entire community throughout the year.