February 2013 Volume 11 Issue 10

Super sweet, super

dedicated sophomore

band member Abby is an

oboe player in

Symphonic band this

year. She joined the band

program at Ferguson

Middle School on the

clarinet as a 6th grader

and later switched to oboe after love at first sight. Since

then, Abby has taken advantage of many of the unique

opportunities offered by the band. She marched the

cymbals during the fall, participates in the Percussion

Ensemble, and took part in both the District 12 Honor Band

and O.M.E.A. Solo and Ensemble contest, where she

received a superior rating. The Broken Drumhead sat her

down to ask some of the real, hard-hitting questions.

What’s your favorite candy?

I really like Reese’s!

Do you have a favorite band?

Probably Mumford and Sons,

actually.

Talking

Heads!

It’s been over three months BHS played their last marching band contest show: and now the next is on its way! Leading up to the announcement, Mr. McCullough spoke that since Groundhogs Day, the traditional day the show is announced, would fall on a Saturday, the announcement method will be bigger and better than ever. Clues were posted on the band website for both the show and announcement and guesses started to pop up in the comment section. Clues for the show include “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”, “Rock on!”, and “I need headphones” while the announcement hints mentioned wild animals, crowds, and fireworks! One week before the announcement, Mr. McCullough explained that his family would travel to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to meet Phil, the famous weather-predicting groundhog, to record a live video to proclaim the next marching band show for the Pride of Beavercreek 2013: the Talking Heads! “It's probably going to be the greatest marching band show the Beavercreek Marching Band has ever done” said Mr. McCullough during the video. Songs will include 'I Zimbra”, “Found a Job”, “Once in a Lifetime”, “Life During Wartime”, “Cross-eyed and Painless”, “This Must Be The Place”, and “Burning Down the House”. Curious on how awesome this show will be? Join us in June at mini-camp for a little taste of what this marching band has in store; this show will indeed be a once in a lifetime experience.

As winter approaches, it means one very important, life-altering, essential thing: jazz band is here! As the Winter Concert and Weekend of Jazz comes closer, the jazz bands keep rehearsing and honing their skills in jazz, improv, and their respective instruments if they differ from concert band. Jazz II, directed by Mr. Bisig, has chosen three songs to play at the Winter Concert to cover a wide variety of styles. As always, Mr. Bisig puts out challenging, exciting, and fun charts out for both the band and the audience to enjoy. The first one, "Libertango," made by Astor Piazzolla, starts the set with an exciting Latin piece with a cool sliding trombone lick and high trumpet notes. Such soloists in this song include Stephanie T., Justin, Savanna S., and Jake on trumpet, Patrick, Andrew F., and Rob A. on trombone, Caitlyn W. on soprano sax, and a percussion solo with Steven O. on drum set and Taylor G. on auxiliary percussion. After that, we move on to "Bad Ol' Blues", composed by Mike Carubia, as a slow and heavy intro starts us off with a swinging, laid back blues. Once the tempo picks up, the solos start off with Matt F. on piano, Matt M. on trumpet, Joey S. on trombone, Tim on alto saxophone, Hannah on tenor saxophone, Patrick on trombone, and Taylor G. on vibes, and wrapped up with a bass solo from Mark. Finally, as that tune wraps up, the last song starts, called "Spud", composed by Skiles. This New Orleans neat pumps the song with an exciting pulse as the solo section includes Rob A. and Jared on Trombone, Tom and Tim on Alto Saxophone, Justin and Matt M. on Trumpet, Matt F. on Piano, and a "trading fours" (where the band plays for four measures then the drums play four measures) with Steven O. on drumset. The high activity closer will be sure to wow audiences in our concert.

The rehearsals in Jazz II have been educational to everyone in becoming better musicians. The first day was partially spent on learning the proper jazz swing with a subtle accent on the off beats instead of forcing the downbeats. The other rehearsals started much more in-depth in the ways of a multi-genre jazz band. Mr. Bisig taught us the style of Latin in letting long notes hold with the same dynamics, and the laid-back tempo at the beginning of "Bad Ol' Blues". Not only were winds taught valuable lessons on articulation, breathing, and note lengths, the rhythm section gained knowledge on keeping tempo and having a groove. Mr. Bisig gave aid to the auxiliary percussionists Taylor G. in coming up with parts and ideas to play along with and scales in specific songs, how to make a solo build and climax, showcasing examples of riffs to play along with. He also talked about interacting with the rhythm section by giving them patterns to respond to. Such essential topics of all things improv were covered in great detail by Mr. Bisig, as all of the students, old and new, gained insight into the world of jazz.

As jazz starts swinging in the air along with the snow falling from the sky, you can be certain that Mr. Bisig will be making sure it keeps swinging on with Jazz II band.

Beavercreek’s top jazz ensemble is working hard to enhance their performance for the upcoming Winter Concert on February 19th 2013 with several songs including “Cherokee”, “Backburner”, and “Critical Mass”. During rehearsal, everyone from lead trumpet to bari sax seems to be having a good time and tapping their foot to the beat. Very few members of the band stay completely still while playing, but seeing each student having such a great time running through the scores greatly adds to the entertainment value of the ensemble. Starting with “Cherokee”, lead alto, Daniel, pours his heart out into an elaborate and brilliant solo while being backed up with the trumpets and trombones. This song almost sounds like a train running away and keeps the beat rolling with a progressive pulse from the rhythm section. Meanwhile Mr. McCullough also taps his foot to the beat and signals the ensemble with several cues and a little air drumming. Similar to other ensembles he directs, Jazz One’s director emphasizes the importance of dynamics and contrast during a building phrase underneath the solo. “Cherokee” passes the melody around between the trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, and each time it gets bigger and better with strong hits by the band. Despite the hard work between keeping up with quick runs, tempo, and dynamics, the mood of the ensemble is lighthearted with a few jokes bounced here and there between musicians. “Cherokee” ends with a fermata spreading through the band from the bari sax player Luke to squeeze in one more warm chord before moving on to their next song.

The piano takes over for “Backburner” with a blues shuffle from drum set. Everyone’s heard the contagious saxophone lick up as the clear favorite of several musicians. The catchy rhythm is passed around through the lines of musicians front to back near the end after a tenor saxophone and trumpet solo. The triplet rhythm is often heard throughout the band room today and will be one of the crowd favorites on February 19th.

Jazz One can be heard after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the occasional morning practice and will perform at the next concert and at the upcoming Weekend of Jazz.

Beavercreek Jazz Ensembles, including Ferguson and Ankeny Middle School jazz bands, will be performing on Thursday, February 28

th in the BHS Alumni

Auditorium beginning at 7:00pm. This jazz-exclusive concert kicks off Beavercreek’s Weekend of Jazz 2013 and is free and open to the public.

It will also feature guest clinicians on-stage from WOJ’s Friday Night Act, Jeff Coffin and MU’TET. Come out and see Beavercreek jazz!

Weekend of Jazz 2013 Thursday Night

The weekend of February 28th will

kick off one of the biggest events in

the city of Beavercreek: Weekend of

Jazz! Thursday night will feature a

performance from both middle

school Jazz Bands as well as Jazz

One and Jazz Two from the high

school. After their performance, they

will be critiqued by the Friday act –

right on stage. The performances

from the four jazz bands will be held

in the Beavercreek auditorium and

it’s free! Do not miss this great

opportunity!

Friday Night

Jeff Coffin & the MU’TET will be

preforming in the BHS Auditorium at

8pm. WOJ first saw Jeff Coffin in

2008 on a cold Friday night. That WOJ

was so cold, they had to cancel

Saturday’s act because of the

overflowing snow. The MU’TET is led

by Jeff Coffin, a saxophonist from the

Dave Matthew’s Band. He is probably

more famously known for playing with

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. Coffin’s

songs come from a wide arrangement

of styles including African, New

Orleans, funk, jazz, folk, rock, and a

few others. A passionate player, Coffin

is also known to use a guitar sound on

his sax, known as “electro-sax,” and

playing TWO saxes at the same time,

usually an alto and tenor. This 2013

MU’TET features: Jeff Coffin-Sax,

Felix Pastorius- electric bass, Bill

Fanning- trumpet & space trumpet,

Chris 'the Pianimator' Walters- piano,

and Roy "FUTUREMAN" Wooten-

drum set. This Friday night act will

surely leave a mark on Weekend of

Jazz history.

Saturday Night

The 2013 Weekend of Jazz is just around the

corner, and as usual, the performances this year are

going to be awesome. The Saturday night show

will feature Ramsey Lewis and his electronics

band. Lewis has been playing jazz on his piano for

over 50 years, and in that time has released over 80

albums. He has won three Grammy’s, produced

seven gold albums, and has even played at the

White House for President Bill Clinton; some have

taken to calling him “The Great Performer.” You

may not know it, but we guarantee you are already

at least partially familiar with Mr. Lewis’s work.

Ever heard “Hang on Sloopy”? Yeah, that was

him! Some of his other chart-toppers include “The

In Crowd” and “Wade in the Water.” His band will

be performing Weekend of Jazz as part of their

Sun Goddess Tour, including Ramsey Lewis Trio

members Joshua Ramos (bass), and Charles Heath

(drums), with added musicians Henry Johnson

(guitar) and Tim Gant (keyboards). Join Ramsey

Lewis and his band on Saturday, March 2nd

at 7 for

what will undoubtedly be a great performance.

Exclusive Content! Student’s Experiences at Beavercreek’s Official Jazz Festival

“My favorite Weekend of Jazz

act was Tito Puente and his

Orchestra a few years ago

because everyone was so

excited and into the show. I’m

so glad that I went, it was a

great experience.” – Alex V

“I like seeing musicians at the

next level especially when you

don’t have to pay a whole

bunch to go and see them. It’s

cool to see them play and

compare them to what you do

already to see where you

could be musically in the

future. I’ve also learned a lot

from the percussion clinics

they have on Saturdays and

had a great time in them.” –

Kaitlin W

“Last year I went to see Sylvan Street and had a good time. The music was very cool

and it was fun to see Mr. McCullough play with professional artists.” – Liberty S.

“The weekend acts are always fantastic, but my favorite part is performing with the Beavercreek Jazz Ensembles on Thursday night. It’s cool to have people who are in the business and are experts at what they do critique our groups and make us better as an ensemble. It’s very down to earth and awesome to have someone you’ll see perform in the near future right on stage with you. Best of all its totally free and everyone can learn something.” –Stephanie T

The broken drumhead 3

“I really enjoy the privilege to go to WOJ and getting inspired to play my instrument all over again, almost as if I was entering 6th grade again and choosing my instrument.” – Alex M.

“I love that Weekend

of Jazz really brings

the community

together to celebrate

how amazing jazz

music is!” – Megan L.

Tickets on sale now

on the official

Weekend of Jazz

website!

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C

O

R

N

E

R

Featured Instrument: Good Ole’ Triangle

eventually changed with an opening on one of the bottom corners for pitch. While the exact date is unknown, we do know that the triangle started playing exclusively in the 18t

h century, and were found in

Turkish Janissary music. By the 19th

century, it had a more widespread use.

Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven all used the triangle in their music, though sparingly. It is also popular in Cajun music, where it keeps the beat in the absence of drums. Surprisingly, it is also used in the rock group Queen, as well as the opening bars of the “Pink Panther”. There is also a notable triangle solo in the middle of “Runaway Baby”, played by Bruno Mars himself. Despite its lack of notable parts, it can also be the most important and the epiphany of the song.

The triangle, despite being the subject of numerous jokes and one-liners, actually goes back very far into history. Originally, the design was an actual triangle, but it was

Why is going to Weekend of Jazz a good idea? Weekend of Jazz is a great opportunity to see two high class acts that are full of jazz. Over the 13 years WOJ has been going, we’ve had 11 big bands, 4 orchestras, and a number of jazz bands preform in our auditorium. What’s even better is that it’s a building not too far from your homes. WOJ happens every March and it’s a place to hear some great jazz tunes. Why not come out and listen? Why should I try out for other bands? Trying out for other bands might be a scary experience, but it’s very beneficial. It helps you sharpen your practice skills and teaches you how to go through an interview, which is always important. Interviews will always pop up in your life (ex. trying out for a new position, applying for a job, etc.) Getting into the band you want is an amazing feeling, but so is knowing that you practiced something so hard and then getting to show it off to a whole crowd of people. Even if you happen to not get chosen, you still did something that many people are too nervous to do.

Where Real Students Answer Real Questions

Got something you’d like to ask? Send us your question in an email at thebrokendrumhead@gmail.com and we’ll answer it in the March Edition! As always, students will answer students!

Winter Color Guard 2013 Despite the need to

saving money by

cutting down on

winter guard

involvement this

season, the guard is

more involved than

ever! Having a total

of 29 members is

outstanding and makes the whole learning process a lot more

fun for everyone! The winter guard will be performing at the

Winter Concert on February 19th, 2013. There will be a group of

all winter guard members that perform to the marching band’s

recorded version of “Bully” from the past football season. Then a

group of only returning members will perform to the

marching band’s recorded version of “Arizona” also from

the football season. Under the direction of Rachelle

Navarro and alumni assistant Kaity Jones, they have helped

these several ladies learn the many dancing and flag

techniques. This group shines bright among each other and

also shows hard work and strong determination by taking

extra time out of their days to learn the wonders of color

guard.

Percussion Ensemble

they have been rehearsing is titled “Taiko” which is an all drum song.The percussion ensemble is always found preparing in the band room on Wednesdays, for the concert, with Mr. Leytze. Some of the coolest things about percussion ensemble include the hundreds of different techniques on the many different percussion instruments and also playing with other percussionists that many consider great friends. All should look forward to future concerts, and also come see this awesome group of young students perform different percussion based songs that will highlight the basic and advanced skills that they have learned!

The percussion ensemble is working on several tunes that will be performed at the Winter Concert on February 19th. Just one of the songs

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Outside the Band Room Life After Band With the first semester of the school year gone, several hundred students start heading towards an unknown future. For some seniors, life after high school means a brand new start and a turn into a better self. Others are just more relieved that there aren't any more exams. However, another group locks themselves deep in thought over their incoming fate. What is it like in college? What is it like to be a spectator to marching band shows instead of a participant? What would I ultimately learn from marching band? How do I make sure I remain active in college? Many of these great questions prompt this section, where a former Beavercreek High School student, Charlie, has been interviewed to answer some of these questions. With such blood, sweat, and tears put into something like a 10-12 minute show, and with such a motivational and captivating director, it's easy to be lost in a web of McCulloughisms and lessons with no real world experience to gain. Also, as years pass by, it gets harder to gain back those wonderful memories. Charlie, a music major at Wright State University, still keeps on supporting the band where he can and remembers his fond memories from marching band. "My favorite marching band memory has to be simply participating in all those shows, and performing in great venues like Ohio State, Epcot, Marshall, and the other stadiums the band traveled to. It was also a great experience to meet new people and hang out with friends." But what about all those McCulloughisms? What is an example of something to focus on? Charlie also explains his own opinion in this matter. "I think the lesson from marching band that has helped me out the most is to listen better, especially to people who are older and wiser than me." However, one of the most intriguing of the questions involve a great deal of deep thought; How has marching band impacted my life? "I felt that marching band helped influence my career choice in music," Charlie explains. "Before marching band I just enjoyed playing music, but marching band and the discipline and organization required revealed to me how much hard work can do in the long run, and helped to cement my decision to make a career out of music." To all members, old and new, you should answer that question for yourself: How has marching band changed my life? By studying in music at Wright State, Charlie gives us an unseen vantage of life as a music student. "The biggest thing that changes from a high school music program to college is that music is all day," Charlie starts. "Instead of having one 50-minute rehearsal, you usually have seven hours of activities like music private lessons, sectionals with other members of your instrument (studio class), musicianship, music theory, and all of the different bands and ensembles you're involved in, which can be hard at times." Understandably, some students don't wish to be a music major, but still wish to remain active in music. Not only does college offer things like marching bands, jazz bands, concert bands, and musicals, but colleges can also provide a community of local bands. "Being in the WSU Wind Symphony, I do get the full concert band experience. This May, we will be traveling with the group to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. However, I do miss getting to march on a football field in full uniform, but I still remain active in that I play for the Wright State University Pep Band," Charlie states. "Though with my music major, practicing is a huge part of my life now." As the article prompts you to think about your remaining months or years in high school, it is good to keep these kinds of questions in your mind and answer them for yourself. Thinking about college gains you a huge advantage over many of your classmates who's probably worried more about getting out of school instead of truly realizing what that means. A new journey, a step into adulthood, whatever you call it, it's an important step and even freshmen should understand their future as more responsibilities come in. Charlie ends with this one final advice to seniors heading to college; "To any incoming college freshmen, I would say the most important thing is to study, study, study. I would say at least 2-3 hours of study is good. And whatever you do, don't wait until the last minute to do something.

Also, I stress you to get involved in as many things as you can, work hard, and never lose focus on what you want to accomplish. One final, very important thing, is to keep on playing your instrument as much as you can. "

A Final Feed The Creek Update Back in late 2012, Beavercreek band

directors challenged their students to

participate in the “Feed the Creek”

organization, where students can donate

food, money, and volunteer their time to

and bring food to hundreds of kids in the Beavercreek school

system who don't get enough to eat on a regular basis. The

musicians eagerly jumped in and signed up to bring in food or

money. The result was over $2,400 in donations and six vans

filled with food from the band and other Beavercreek citizens.

Because of the big help, as of January 2013, “Feed the Creek”

was able to expand and provide food to the middle school

students at Ferguson and Ankeney. Thanks to all who helped

make this event a huge success!

Work In Progress Work In Progress is an underground radio show that promotes jazz music. Each Monday night, 7pm CT/8pm EST, in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Max (a 2010 graduate trumpet player) and Kyle (Max’s co-host) broadcast across the Cornell campus and tune listeners

in on a wide variety of jazz songs. Their station has been running

for two years and just recently started back up after winter break.

Since then, there has been four shows, each with their own

varying theme. Kyle seems to be the comedic relief, while Max

hosts the show and briefly describes the playlist, giving each song

its own spotlight. If you’re ever in the mood for a little jazz,

you can always listen to

them at this link:

http://orgs.cornellcolleg

e.edu/krnl/player.php.

Work In Progress is

definitely a great way to

also get you in the

mood for 2013

Weekend of Jazz.

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Underneath the Stripes

2012-2013 Spring Trip Outline This Florida Tour, the band will be revisiting old favorites such as Disney

and Universal and the trip will be from March 22nd-30th, the week of spring

break. The band will play the last marching band show of Jethro Tull, all

three parts, as well as a few favorites, such as “Arizona”,” Runaway

Baby”, and “Bang-A-Gong” in addition to a few patriotic songs including

the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.”

They’ll perform in various places around Florida, including a

standstill at Ron Jon Surf Shop, a parade at the Magic Kingdom in Disney,

and another parade in Orlando Studios. Currently, they’ve practiced

only music with their one rehearsal, playing songs that they haven’t

played since last year, but the band seems ready to go and have a

great time in Florida. Check out more information on the band website!

How to Prepare for the Florida Tour

Beavercreek’s biennial spring break tour is one of the most popular trips the band takes and arguably the favorite non-competitive performance from those who have been before. But playing marching band music and putting on the stripes again so early can seem a little strange, especially with snow falling in Ohio. The trick is to get your marching feet back in step and remembering exactly what it was like in the fall. Although the band will be performing more parades than stand-stills, all those who intend to go need to brush up their music and revisit various aspects of each segment. A great way to start is to listen to a combination of the original songs from the contest season as well as the Jethro Tull cd from the fall. This will give you a good idea of various dynamic changes, articulations, and rhythms you might have forgotten in the offseason as well various fingerings for those who switch instruments from concert band to marching band. For the parade, a great way to practice is to work on staying in step and running through the music in the exact blend of all three segments. Tempos will not change through the transitions between segments unlike the fall, thus the tunes may not run exactly as the band is accustomed to. Holding up the instrument at proper attention angles might be a trick too after leaving the habit to stand still with the horn up in the fall. For those with particularly heavy equipment, it might not be a bad idea to condition before the stand-still at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Florida. The band will play all their songs, including the Jethro Tull Show, pre-game music, and football tunes, at this concert which is a little bit longer than the average stand-still. Keep in mind Florida is also not Ohio; it will be hot, especially underneath the uniform. There will be several more practices to help students get ready, but the best preparation for success is individual practice. Only you know what you need to work on the most.

As far as the actual trip, Beavercreek hits a variety of locations while staying a week in Florida. If you’re curious on things to possibly shop for prior to the trip, a great start would be spring clothes, sunglasses, suntan lotion, sandals, and a suitcase to put all your things in. Florida is much warmer in the spring than Beavercreek is! Comfortable shorts or cut-offs are the way to go over jeans, and comfortable gym-shoes are also your friend overtop of flip flops. Save your sandals for Coca Beach and be prepared to walk around for a lot of the day. Universal Studios and Disney World have a lot to see! Although the warm weather is certainly a plus compared to Ohio, Orlando also has a knack for rain, so be sure to have a rain poncho and rain jacket so you can still have fun even if the weather takes a turn for the worst. Extra pairs of socks and shoes also come in handy in case your pair gets soaked the previous day; you can leave them in the hotel room to dry while you have fun in one of the parks and not have to worry about sore feet later. With a lot more sun shining in your face, be sure to be well-prepared with various sun tan lotion products. It’s better to be safe than sorry and take time to put it on before you come back to hotel with pink all over! You don’t want to spend your trip like that, especially when you’ll be out in the sun all week. Bring a Beavercreek band hat or sunglasses, like band camp, to give your face some shade. Last but not least, don’t forget the band will be staying at Cocoa Beach outside of Ron Jon for an entire day! Swimming in the ocean and building sandcastles is tons of fun, as long as you have swimming attire. Watch the sales and don’t forget. They do sell many of these things at Disney, Ron Jon, and Universal, but they’ll have a much higher price than at home. As always in band, be prepared for anything and have everything you need before you leave. During March, a packing list will likely be released to give extra recommendations for those going the first time. Stay ahead of the game and get it done before it’s time to go!

Ground Hog’s Day Tradition As many band alumni,

students, staff,

parents, and fans now

know, Mr. McCullough

and his family traveled

up to Punxsutawney,

Pennsylvania the night

before Groundhog’s

Day (February 2nd) to

meet the beloved

and amazing weather

predicting groundhog,

Phil! As Sam reported

live on the scene with

her family, Phil did not

see his shadow! That

means spring is

coming early this year,

just six more weeks!

But if that isn’t

enough, Mr.

McCullough and Carly

One Last Shot at Pep Band Why it’s one of the best ensembles to play in

“For every brass player, learning to play loud and play high is an essential skill to have, whether it is while performing in the marching band, or going wild with jazz improvisation. One of the best places to practice these amazing techniques is on the court. No, you won’t be dribbling a basketball, but playing in the BHS Pep Band! During the winter, Mr. Frost and Mr. McCullough lead the pep band at Varsity boys and girls home basketball games. Here is a fun fact for you: Mr. Frost allows the seniors to pick the songs the pep band plays towards the end of the season. Pep band is a very fun experience and if you have never given it a shot, go for it. As the clichés go, “you’ll never know if you like it unless you try it” and that is certainly true! You’re not required to attend every game, although it is recommended to sign-up for as many as possible, especially if you are a brass player. Brass players have the ability to produce a bit more volume then the woodwinds, woodwinds have the ability to tackle faster rhythms, so all should still come! Pep band is a very fun experience that allows students to cheer on their peers in an athletic competition, build up their musical skills, and also have fun!”

From Alex M., sophomore French horn player

The Writer’s

Block The Broken Drumhead is the official student-run, written, and designed newsletter featuring all Beavercreek ensembles, musical opportunities and events, and many first-hand accounts of participation in Beavercreek’s musically performing groups. This newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views of various staff members involved with mentioned ensembles and is entirely written as an educational and entertaining monthly newsletter for the student body as well as those affiliated with Beavercreek’s Instrumental Department. Any questions or concerns can be addressed at thebrokendrumhead@gmail.com Thanks for Reading! This edition was written by the 2013 Spring Writing Team including Caitlyn, Alex, Jonah, Steven, Autumn, Alyssa, Evan, and Stephanie. The writers would like to thank Mrs. Nartker for her editing that goes to make The Broken Drumhead fantastic each month. Special thanks to Charlie B., Beavercreek’s color guard and jazz band instructors, and Beavercreek’s website manager for their help this month. Images are courtesy of Google.com, Microsoft Office, the official Weekend of Jazz website, the BHS band alumni website, from the writers of The Broken Drumhead as well as the hand-drawn images by its writers. Check out our next edition in March 2013!

revealed the next

marching band show to

the audience! Up until

this point the show was

announced in the band

room before school. .

Students would throw a

small party and watch

some of the show’s

musical hits or even the

University of Arizona’s

version of the show. This is

the first year in which the

show was announced

online via video! Now why

exactly does the band

have the tradition of

announcing the future

band show on

Groundhog’s Day? About

ten or so years ago the

band chose Groundhog’s

Day, because after the

show was picked (usually

over winter break) Ground

Hog’s Day was convenient.

It usually fell on a school

day that students were

required to attend school.

What started as a fun joke

with the band eventually

grew into a happy tradition

that is looked forward to

every year by all the band

fans everywhere!