The Bel Air High School Marching Band – consisting of all sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the band program – participated in band camp August 5th through 9th, 2013.
In previous years upperclassmen were separated into a Concert Band and Symphonic Band. Symphonic Band was the band for more advanced musicians and also the Marching Band. Because of scheduling conflicts and instrumentation issues, among other things, Mr. Tony Domenico, Band Director of Bel Air High School, decided to combine the two bands, and in turn, creating a larger group to participate in Marching Band. The group has many students that have never participated in Marching Band but over the next few years, they will become a more experienced group of students.
The increased band size the ability to perform more on the field during halftime and on stage during concerts later in the year.
Mr. Domenico commented on the progress of the band and predictions for success this year, “The Marching Band part of a music program is not unlike other things where it takes dedication, it takes hard work, and it takes practice. If a marching band becomes good to a certain level all those traits that get them there can be used for the music they have in [other bands].”
Though the weather was not necessarily in their favor during the week of camp, the band was able to continue making progress through the rain and heat. They were able to make adjustments to their previous schedule and work together to continue improving on their halftime show.
Senior Field Commander Meg Rolocut talked about her predictions for this year’s success, “I think we’re going to be a lot closer to each other, because being out on a field creates a tight knit group where we all become really comfortable with each other. So once we have a sit down concert we’ll all be really comfortable with each other.”
The Bel Air High School Marching Band’s first halftime show performance will be at the home football game on Friday September 6, 2013 at Bobcat Stadium.