Band practices begin

By Donnie A. Lucas

Some members of the high school band percussion section started daily practices for the 2022 marching season this week, with rehearsals expanding to all players next week.

The band’s pit crew met from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday last week, followed by the drumline at 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

“Some of the percussionists weren’t able to attend due a conflict with church camp, but we will get everyone coming next week,” band director William Vaughan said.

The pit crew and drum line will continue the same early afternoon rehearsal times next week, with the woodwinds and brass meeting from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.

No summer rehearsals are scheduled for Fridays.

All sections of the band will meet together starting on Aug. 1 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. the pit crew will continue to practice in the afternoons from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. in addition to the evening rehearsals with the entire band.

Evening rehearsals will continue through Monday, Aug. 15.

Practices will switch to the morning when school starts, meeting at 7:45 a.m. on Monday and Tuesdays, and 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday through Friday mornings. The band period is scheduled for during the first class of the day ending at 8:45 a.m.

Weekly Monday night practices will also be held at the football stadium from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The group will host a meet-the-band event at the stadium on Monday, Aug. 22 that will include a parents’ performance at 8:00 p.m.

In addition to marching at football games, the band will compete at marching band festivals in preparation for the UIL contest on Oct. 17 at Abilene Wylie. The festivals are set for Oct. 1 in San Angelo and Oct. 8 at Wylie.

This year’s show is entitled “Shine,” with music arranged by Luke McMillan of Abilene and marching drills by Rodney Gurley of Lubbock ISD.

The band play at the annual Ice Cream Supper on Monday, Aug. 8. The band group individual pictures will follow after hamburger supper.