How did the 33 members of the Donegal High School (DHS) Marching Band handle the intensity of the heat during the long days of band camp? "We pray for drink breaks, and we beg (marching band director) Mr. Sellers for drink breaks," said senior Tara Shelton with a laugh. Tara serves as secretary on the band's executive council, alongside president Remy Kanegene and vice president Connor Brackbill, who are also seniors at DHS.
Band camp took place from Aug. 5 to 10 at the school, with students putting in 13-hour days to learn and rehearse the drill and music for this year's show, "The Spark: Illumination, Imagination, Innovation." Marching band director Dale Sellers said that the show features a mixture of musical styles from concert band songs to pop music. "We wanted to do something a little different this year," stated Sellers. "Last year we told a literal story with 'Iron Horse: The Journey Across America,' but this is a little more abstract."
Remy, Connor, and Tara are excited to perfect the new show and present it to the public. "The music is really cool. It's very focused on the woodwinds because we don't have a lot of brass," said Tara. Remy noted that learning the music in the show's first song was challenging because it has a particularly fast tempo for an opening piece. "I hope that everyone's going to appreciate how hard we work with the number of people we have," remarked Remy.
As one way to break up the long, tiring, sweaty days of camp, the band members dressed according to daily themes. This year's themes included section colors, superheroes, white shirts, twin/multiples, induction shirts, and, last but not least, Lobster Day. Tara said this was the third year for Lobster Day, when everyone wears red shirts to see how closely their shirt matches their sunburn.
The executive council and other DHS marching band seniors planned special games for the annual Induction Party, which was held at Connor's house on the evening of Aug. 9 for all of the band members. Tara described the party as a time for all of the freshmen and new members to connect with the returning members. The seniors chose a "Wild West" theme and created an elaborate game of bandits and cowboys for everyone to play.
Another tradition to close out DHS band camp was the annual Tomahawk Feast on Aug. 10, followed by a preview of "The Spark" for family and friends at the stadium. The community can enjoy another performance of "The Spark" at the first DHS home football game against Elizabethtown Area High School, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23. The stadium is located at 1025 Koser Road, Mount Joy.
In addition to performing at football games, the DHS marching band will participate in the Manheim Farm Show parade, three local Memorial Day parades, and approximately seven competitions in the Tournament of Bands division.
Sellers is joined in leading the band by Nichole Witman, assistant band director; Stan Tucker, visual coordinator; Richard Adams, show assistant; Tara Bennett, pit and percussion instructor; Justin Neideigh, marching instructor; Scott Muenz, marching instructor; Kami Dugan, head color guard instructor; and Taylor Bennett, assistant color guard instructor.
Leave a Review