Marching to the Beat of Things

The marching season began with a bang! The band showed off their music and marching abilities at a number of football games and in several parades, however, they weren’t really tested until much later when they competed in their first competition of the year. On October 6, the band traveled to Elkins to compete in the Mountain State Forest Festival parade and field show competitions. Proving that hard work pays off, they brought home three trophies in the following categories: Best Drum Major, Best Drumline, and Best Auxiliary. Representing the school to accept the awards were the senior section leaders, dance team members, and the band director. Upcoming band activities include the Clarksburg Veteran’s Day Parade on November 12, the Nutter Fort Christmas Parade on November 16, and the Clarksburg Christmas Parade on November 30. The band is also scheduled to perform at Washington-Irving Middle School, Norwood Elementary, and Nutter Fort Primary and Intermediate Schools on December 14. Financing the band costs a lot of money, however, and they had to sponsor many fundraisers in order to remain operational. Some fundraisers the band has planned for the holiday season include a Sarris Candy sale that is on until November 7, a holiday craft show that will take place on November 10, a Vera Bradley purse bingo that will take place on November 24, and a holiday pie sale scheduled for sometime before winter break. With a Christmas concert scheduled for December 4 and the fast approach of concert season, the band has began to focus more on concert band music and a symphonic sound in preparation for the spring concert and Band Festival, where they will be judged on two concert pieces.