When Manheim Central High School hosts its marching band invitational, expect to see a little bit of everything.
"Every band has sort of a story they'll be telling, and it's exciting to see what each school does for their program," said Bob Stauffer, who is organizing the event. The Baron Invitational will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30, beginning at 5 p.m. at the football stadium at the high school, 400 Adele Ave.
Stauffer said that at least nine bands from the central Pennsylvania region will compete in the event. "You'll see the performance you'd see at halftime during a football game," he explained, adding that the bands will be judged on a variety of elements and will be awarded prizes. This will be the fourth judged event this season for Manheim Central's band, he noted, which will help the band prepare for the Cavalcade of Bands Championship held in Hershey in November.
The event is a fundraiser for the Manheim Central marching band booster club, and an admission fee will be charged. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Stauffer said not only do audiences have an opportunity to see a variety of marching bands in one location, but the band members also have the benefit of hearing directly from the judges after the event. "The bands get to meet with the judges for their critique, so they learn what they did well and what they could improve on," he explained. "It's a good opportunity for growth."
Stauffer has been a band parent for years, watching two daughters go through the program. His youngest, who plays the mellophone, is currently a freshman, but started playing with the band in eighth grade as a "super freshman."
He said being a band parent has not only improved his music appreciation - he can now listen to a brass instrument and identify it, for example - but has also given him the chance to watch the band students develop their musical skills.
"The first time you see their show, which is usually right after band camp, it's rough and it's raw and it's really all over the place," he stated. "By the time we get to this part in the season, it's refined. They've introduced all these visuals, like synchronized movements among the musicians, and it goes from a bunch of players on the field to an organized, choreographed performance. Watching that happen is amazing."
For more information on the Baron Invitational, visit http://www.mcmarchingbarons.org.
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