The show has begun

The Marching band is getting ready to march onto the field putting on what some might call their “hats with feathers” while getting in the mindset to have a better performance than the last.

Last year, The Pride of the East announced their show name: Train of Thought. With three different pieces of music and choreography to learn, the marching band is working to put all 68 sets of drill on the field. Continuing to add and tweak things everyday, the band works every morning, except Tuesdays, and on Monday afternoons.

“We’re all focused on what we’re going to do next [during rehearsals],” first chair euphonium McKinley Bennett said.

Part I, known as The Opener, the beginning part of the show, has music inspired by Philip Glass’ “Primacy of Number” and Carol Brittin Chambers’ “Train of Thought”. Its fast paced drill and music resembles the “Train” in Train of Thought. At one point, train tracks are formed by marchers.

“It has many different sections with each one having its own Idea,” second chair tuba Spencer Armstrong said. “My favorite drill is the train track set in part I.”

Part I also features senior Jordan Chancellor and senior Alexis Jackson in a trombone duet. In the show they both stand in the middle of a circle formed by brass players.

“It’s hemiola type music Alexis and I play,” Chancellor said. “It’s more bueno.”

Part II, is called The Ballad inspired by Bjork’s “Overture (from Dancer in the Dark)”. Part II features Mary Harkins, French horn soloist, at the beginning and again near the end.

“It’s a love like solo. A sweet calm and brief moment in our ballad.” Harkins said. “I feel like it’s supposed to have some emotional significance.”

Part II also features junior McKinley Bennett on the euphonium and junior Seth Ragsdale on the trumpet. According to most involved in marching band, Part II is their favorite.

“It’s a beautiful ballad and it’s my favorite part of the show. Because of the French horn solo and it is a very majestic tempo to march too. It feels smooth,” fifth chair French horn Cason Jackson said.

Part III, The Closure, is the ending piece for the show. Inspired by Michael Giacchino’s “Enterprising Young Men”. To most in the band, Part III is known as the “Awesomeness of Star Trek,” including a saxophone quartet at the beginning.

“I think Part III is exhilarating you find yourself in a very calm state of mind.  It’s fun to play, It’s fun to listen to,”  eighth chair euphonium Devon Alsobrook said.