Band to host community event Aug. 21
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Ragin’ Red Lion Band has switched from sectionals to full band rehearsals this week, with just a couple of days of summer band practices remaining before the school year starts next Thursday, Aug. 17.
The band played at the annual Ice Cream Supper on Monday and are continuing with evening practices from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. through next Tuesday, Aug. 15.
“We are having to be proactive about keeping the kids out of the heat as much as possible,” director William Vaughan said. “We have utilized the gym and the cafeteria some for marching drills and have worked on the music more than usual.”
Late afternoon practice continues today (Thursday) and on next Monday and Tuesday. The group will be off on Wednesday prior to the first day of classes.
Morning rehearsals will start on the first day of class at 7:45 a.m. on each Monday through Wednesday, and at 7:15 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
In addition, the usual Monday evening rehearsal is set for 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. each week, along with a Wednesday afternoon rehearsal on from 3:45 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The band is working on the music and marching drills for a show entitled “Our World,” which was written by Luke McMillan.
Vaughan is expecting about 55 members in the band from grades 8-12 this season, with the group putting together a show in hopes of earning a third consecutive UIL Sweepstakes Award.
The show will include movements from “New World Symphony” by Dvorak, “Mad World” by Gary Jules and “Russian Christmas Music” by Alfred Reed.
The band has marched shows scored by McMillan for several years, including the past two which they earned Division I ratings on the way to Sweepstakes Awards.
“We have been having good attendance at reheasals,” Vaughan said. “Splitting the kids up into sectionals for the first two weeks has really worked well.”
There will be a “Meet the Band” performance at the football stadium on Monday, Aug. 21. The band will perform a portion of the contest show for parents and fans.
The first halftime performance will be on Friday, Aug. 25 at Lubbock Trinity in Lubbock.
