Air Academy’s famous marching band is gearing up for the height of their upcoming competition season. Many students have seen their iconic blue and silver uniforms marching across the football fields at half times, but the marching band has much more going on behind the scenes than their impeccable performances.
Although, band competition season only lasts through September and October, “it starts in the Spring, planning for all of this,” instrumental music and music technology teacher, Ms. Lyttle, explained.
After teaching at AAHS for seven years, she said that covering the groundwork for the season still takes meticulous practice and time.
“March, we decide on music, um April, things are purchased and leadership is decided on, and in May we start coaching,” Ms. Lyttle reflected.
Additionally, over the summer, band camp and other enrichment and preparation activities are held at the school — all in order to prepare students for the fall season.
This year, however, a brand new wrench was thrown in the well-oiled gears of the band. During the summer, Mr. Allenson, the new band director, was hired at the last minute. Although Mr. Allenson faced the daunting task of organizing the complex marching band in such a short time, many agree that he’s adjusted well.
“It’s really been great, he’s been a great addition to the team,” Ms. Lyttle exclaimed about her colleague.
Students also expressed admiration for the new director.
“He knows the gig really well, and I think he’s nothing but a positive influence on this band and he will most likely continue to do so,” junior drum major William Schuh expressed.
“He’s very focused on getting things done and getting things done quickly so it’s definitely helped us progress quickly,” junior clarinet player Lena Rogers stated. “We’re making really good progress, and we have a lot more of the show done than we have in previous years.”
Even though Mr. Allenson does well at helping the band prepare for competition, Air Academy’s teen musicians argue that halftime shows are the most valuable practice time for the team.
“Halftime shows always help us prepare. It’s some of our only opportunities to get to practice on an actual football field, which is what we compete on,” Rogers remarked.
While entertaining for the student section at football games, the band’s halftime performance is somewhat of a competition simulation.
“No judges, nobody’s writing down a score; it’s very, very chill, very laid back but it’s still super great practice,” Schuh described.
Air Academy’s first official competition on September 22nd went very well, with the Kadet marching band taking home sixth place. The band season is still continuing throughout the month, and hopes are higher than ever.
“Oh my gosh, I am so excited for our performances!” Ms. Lyttle exclaimed. “I just really appreciate all of the hard work that our students are doing.”
The Air Academy marching band is a treasured aspect of the school’s activities and music program.
“I think it’s a really cool environment and family and I love it,” junior clarinet Laurel Lynde Hagen declared.
Despite facing some challenges this year, this resilient program has proven their prowess and will continue to strive to represent Air Academy well.
Elizabeth Walhof • Oct 4, 2023 at 5:23 pm
Hi Savannah,
I really appreciate how you brought clarity to the whole season of Marching Band and how the half-time shows contribute to the practice of the team. For those of us who aren’t (or weren’t ever) in Marching Band, that is very helpful context. It was also a great way to introduce Mr. Allenson for those who may not have met him yet. Great job!