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In past years there has only been one marching band at Bob Jones, but this year they’ve turned that table over. Bob Jones now has two marching bands. One band is about a two hundred man band that only marches at the football games. The other band is a one hundred thirty man band, selecting only the top students from the football marching band. This band preforms at competitions. Each band has its own show and song selection.
Ellie Smith, a clarinet section leader, shared her thoughts on the new two-band format. “Having two bands is actually a good thing because the people who need improvement have their own class with Mrs. Thomas where they can get help so they can fix their mistakes. And the people who are more advanced can go at a faster pace in the competition band. With the competition band being smaller, that means only the best marchers preform which increases the chances of bringing home a trophy this year.”
When asked about what he thinks of this year’s marching band, Mr. Doyle Thornton replied, “This year’s band is a strong group that works hard, plays well, and marches well.” He also said with there being two bands, it’s a lot of work but definitely worth it.
Some band veterans claim that having fewer rookies will leave them better prepared because they can receive more attention from their drill-techs. That being said, other veterans are confident in the rookies due to their ability to pick techniques up quickly, their focus, and their excitement.
This year’s theme for the competition show is James Bond. The show consists of the following songs: African Rundown from Casino Royale, a mash-up of Diamonds Are Forever and You Only Live Twice, and a mash-up of Golden Eye and Skyfall. This fast-paced, unconventional show will be showcased , for the first time during the September 28th band competition. Mrs. Leigh Thomas, one of the band directors, says that the show is currently making great progress.
Erin Anderson, a flute player and veteran of the marching band remarked,” I’m looking forward to winning competitions this year.” Emily Mack, one of this year’s few rookies, said “I’m excited for the Out Back Bowl.” The Out Back Bowl is most likely going to be one of the highlights of this year’s marching season
Because the halftime show at football games aims to fire up the crowd, it tends to be a more modern show featuring popular songs and electronically-accompanied percussion such as dub step. Songs such as Good Feeling by Flow Rider, Ain’t No Other Man by Christina Aguilera, and a mash-up of Dangerous and Smooth Crime by Michael Jackson have been played at the games.
In regards to possible new elements that may be couple with old elements for this year’s show, Mrs. Thomas states, “There really isn’t anything form previous shows that is being brought back, though there are more electronics, like dub step, involved in the percussions this year.” One thing to look forward to, other then the half time show, is the new stand songs. There are three new songs; All Of The Lights, Right Above It, and Thrift Shop, and there are more in the works.
