Preparations for the next competitive season are well underway for the “Pride of Westmoreland” Marching Band.
In addition to the rehearsals that start in July, the marching band’s 70 students in grades 7-12 participated in a summer band camp at the Jr./Sr. High School during the week of August 6. The camp, broken up into two, three hour sessions with an hour break in-between, ran every day from 2-9 p.m.
“During the camp, we learn the bulk, if not the entirety, of our show,” Kristyn Cutler, marching band director, said. “On the last day of the camp, we took the band to Delta Lake to celebrate all of their hard work. We are a close knit group, and our families help coordinate the event, set up and cook.”
The competitive season, which is about three and a half months long, starts the first weekend after Labor Day. The marching band competes in various competitions across New York State and performs at some home football games.
“Throughout the entire season, our band’s members are continuously learning,” Cutler said. “They are not only getting better at their art and perfecting their individual performances, but they are becoming leaders, constantly self-assessing and self-disciplining, managing time and growing as an ensemble.”
They are also learning what it takes to be a part of a successful team.
“Everyone’s role is equal and just as important as all of the other roles,” Cutler explained. “Whether you are in seventh grade or a senior or a soloist or not, every individual is crucial to the success of our group.”
Best of luck to the “Pride of Westmoreland” Marching Band this season!