Lets go lions! The Altoona High School marching band starts their half-time performance by marching out onto the field. AAHS attended their last game at State College on Oct. 19 during this year.
Musicians march out of marching season with last game
Marching band prepares for last football game of the season
October 25, 2018
On Friday, Oct. 26, the marching band will perform their last pregame and halftime show of the year. While some mourn the end of marching band season, others celebrate for the start of concert band.
For the pregame show, the marching band will perform their signature songs including “Fight Song” and “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite.” The vocal ensemble will also contribute to the pregame show by singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and the high school’s “Alma Mater.”
Watch and learn!
The State College marching band observes the AAHS marching band perform their half-time show on Friday, Oct. 19.
The marching band has been practicing several new songs for their halftime performance including “Caravan,” a jazz song composed by the renowned Duke Ellington and a 1978 award-winning song, “Children of Sanchez.”
Lift left!
On Oct. 19, the marching band performed at State College. The marching band performed their half-time show including the songs, “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Sway,” “Big Noise of Winnetka” and “Land of Make Believe.”
In between songs, the seniors in marching band will be introduced as their escorts join them, walking down the football field.
“It’s always sad to see the seniors leave. I have known them for one, two or three years even. It’s sad. We look forward to moving on to other things, though. It’s just sad seeing them walk down the football field because you think ‘oh my god, they’re almost done,’” band director Larry Detwiler said.
One, two! One, two, three!
After the football game, State College marching band and the AAHS marching band came together to perform “Hey Baby!” as one whole band. This took place at State College on Friday, Oct. 19.
This Friday is the final marching band performance for the seniors as high school students.
“I’m very sad. I’m definitely going to miss all my friends and the memories I have made with the marching band,” senior Cooper D’Angelo said.
Over the past couple months of marching practices, bus rides to away games and home games, many members of the band have become close and formed some long-lasting friendships with the seniors.
“I’m really sad about it, honestly. I enjoyed their presence and our time in the stands together. They will truly be missed!” sophomore Carlona Brevard said.
As the marching band season wraps up, concert band season is just around the corner. Shortly after the last marching game, the band will practice for upcoming concerts.
“I think this marching season ended very well.” Detwiler said.
Although band members enjoyed the days of marching band, some have been waiting for concert season to arrive.
“Concert music is so much better. It has better movement and more time to enjoy it because in marching band you’ve got to focus on when to step off and all that. It distracts from the music.” sophomore Colin Allmond said.
On Monday, Nov. 12, the band is participating in the Veteran’s Day parade.
Carlona Brevard • Nov 14, 2018 at 10:11 pm
I loved reading this entire article. your title really caught me. I really like how you incorporated Mr.D’s thoughts on band this year along with a sophomore and seniors opinion. Not to mention your technique was very well done. Great job syd!!
Sonia Yost • Oct 29, 2018 at 2:18 pm
The band did great this year, and I’m excited to see what they have in store for the rest of the year!
Corey Minton • Oct 29, 2018 at 2:15 pm
You did a great job showing that the band isn’t done working on their pieces
Ben Blackie • Oct 29, 2018 at 2:09 pm
I liked how you included what is happening after marching band season and how the directors felt on the seniors leaving.
Connor George • Oct 29, 2018 at 10:28 am
The AP style is phenomenal, however the conclusion leads off into another paragraph and is never finished. This creates a sort of cliffhanger, and isn’t a way to end the feature. However, overall, it is great.
-Connor George, Reporter for AAJHS Livewire
Brayden Adams • Oct 29, 2018 at 10:27 am
Sydney gives the readers great information on this feature. The AP style is on point and the feature ends with an important date.
Savannah Blazer • Oct 29, 2018 at 10:25 am
I enjoyed reading this story. Over at the Jr. High band, we miss the freshman that are now sophomores. They were great leaders and always helped out.