In 2019, when Rob Corrao took over as Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) marching band director, the music for the fall band show had already been chosen. This year, Corrao was in the driver's seat from the start, and he chose a theme that focuses on Michael Jackson's pre-"Thriller" efforts.
The 2020 PVHS fall marching show, titled "Off the Wall," will feature four Michael Jackson songs. The nearly 10-minute show will open with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," followed by the title song, "Off the Wall." The third song will be "Human Nature," which is Corrao's favorite Michael Jackson song. The show will wrap up with "I Want You Back," which features Michael with the Jackson 5.
During band camp, which was held at the school in Kinzers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day from Aug. 3 to 7, Corrao worked with drum majors Haley Peterson and Grace Runner and about 45 band members, including five color guard under the direction of Jennifer Bilby. The band also includes a featured twirler and a majorette. As of Aug. 6, band members had completed about a third of the program on the field. "The storm on Tuesday really set us back," said Corrao, who noted the heavy rain forced the band to spend the day inside working on music.
The drill, which was written by Ryan Kriebel, is a structured piece that requires some complicated choreography, but Corrao said that the main challenge of camp has been meeting COVID-19 criteria. Students' temperatures are checked when they arrive, and each student answers questions online using a QR code. Students also wear masks inside as well as outside if they are closer than six feet apart. "We have sent (the students) straight to the field so they aren't in the building," said Corrao, who noted that the band members have followed the protocol. "They are so excited to be back," said Corrao. "If we told them they had to wear a snowsuit, they would probably do it because they want to get back together with their friends and play some music."
Runner remarked that learning the drill has required the band members to sharpen their mind and body coordination. "(It's a challenge to learn) all the things we have to think about while we're marching," she said, listing foot placement, body placement, and head movements while playing music among the skills students have been working to build.
"Some of the figures and the music are challenging rhythmically," said Corrao, who cited "Human Nature" as being the trickiest to master. "I think it might be tougher because some of the (actions) are not happening on the beat, (but) feet are moving on the beat," he said. "Human Nature," which will feature a solo by trombonist Nathan Heverin, was a jazz arrangement that was rearranged for marching band by Corrao's assistant, Vincent Shickora.
Runner stated that highlights of the show include a follow-the-leader type train in "Don't Stop." "At the very beginning, we get in two lines side by side and then separate outward, and we all turn on the same beat," she said. Corrao mentioned that the opening of the show includes the two twirlers in a mirror image routine while the color guard are posing behind them.
According to Runner, the band members started camp each day with jumping jacks, stretches, and a lap around the track, followed by a fun activity such as charades. Students worked on marching and putting the drill to the music until lunch. After lunch, sectionals and music were the focus until the group returned to the field.
To add an element of fun to the experience, the drum majors held a battle of the sections, which awarded points for dressing up on specific spirit days. Peterson reported that Monday was USA Day, and Tuesday was Beach Day. On Wednesday, Twin Day was held, and Thursday was 1980s Neon Michael Jackson Day. Friday was Section Shirt Day. Each section was awarded points with free Rita's ice cream for members of the winning section.
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