While sports teams are preparing for their games and the school hypes up for spirit week, the Orange High School marching band is perfecting their game for an exciting season of their own.
The OHS marching band, led by band director Andy Carter and drum major Sarah Campbell, has been rehearsing since early August for this fall’s “Little Red Riding Hood” themed show. This theme has proven to be very unique compared to years past. Not only does the show incorporate handmade set pieces and elaborate costumes, but the show has a storyline with a “twist ending.” Students have already gotten the chance to watch the band perform their show during halftime, at the first football game, but they have worked even harder to perfect it since then.
For co-guard captain Sarah Tatum, this season is very special for other reasons. Tatum, one of four seniors on the color guard, plays the wolf during the show, while fellow senior and co-guard captain Courtney Goodson plays Little Red Riding Hood. This will also be her last year as a part of the marching band, after having been a member every year of her high school career. “Being a senior this year is bittersweet,” says Tatum. “As seniors, we're more driven to make everything perfect. It’s our last year and we just want this show to be the absolute best it can be, because this is our last chance to do it.”
Tatum also added that, along with her other responsibilities, she gets to lead her younger sister Emily Tatum, who is a freshman in the marching band. Tatum said, “Having my younger sister on the team has been really cool too... Hopefully she'll continue to be a part of the marching band and love it as much as I have.”
In addition to performing at football games and in parades, the OHS marching band also competes in a wide range of marching band competitions. When asked how he expects his students to perform at their first competition, held on Saturday, October 5th, band director Carter noted that "the OHS Panther Regiment Marching Band has a long history of success both in competition and local performance venues. The students strive for excellence on a daily basis. There is no doubt in my mind that this year's group will be as successful as the numerous groups before them.”
0 comments