Schools

Wolverines Marching Band Prepares for School Year, Competitions

The band will play at home football games and participate in multiple competitions during the 2013-2014 school year.

As the West Potomac High School football team practices for its upcoming season, the halls of the high school are abuzz as high school musicians prepare to root them on in the stands with their musical performances.

In the few weeks that they've been practicing, the members have all gotten to know each other and have become somewhat of a family unit.

"We're really like a family, and we work well together," said junior Erika Larsen, piccolo section leader. Sophomore Mia Genuario, a clarinet marcher, said it helps that everyone on the band is nice and get along well.

Besides learning music and formations together, the band members spend time together outside of practice as well, which contributes to the chemistry they have together. Group parties, laser tag and water balloon fights all works into the bonding experience for the band members.

The marching band contributes to the energetic atmosphere that is often associated with Friday night lights. And for some of the members of the Wolverines Marching Band, it will be their last year to show off their talents after their many years of hard work.

"I'm looking forward to these final performances and competitions. It's your last chance, so you feel like you have to give all you've got," said senior Allie Woodbury, the trumpet section leader who has been a part of the band for four years.

Practice for the upcoming sports season and for competitions began in early August and director Steve Rice said the students are doing well even though they only have a few weeks of practice under their belts.

"We're learning well, and that's what's important," he said. "This is a good group of kids, and we're all ready for performances and competitions this year."

This year's first competition is at Herndon High School on Sept. 28. Then the band will take on another competition at James Woods High School in Winchester on Oct. 5. On Oct. 19, the band will travel to Pulaski to compete in the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) competition.

For many of the students, this may be a challenge but a lot of them have been playing their instruments and participating in band since middle school. Senior Cammie Cohen, one of three drum majors, said she had the best experience as a band member in middle school and wanted to continue when she enrolled at West Potomac High School.

"I saw the drum line in middle school, and just though it was so cool. That's why I wanted to participate," said senior Robbie Snow, snare captain for the band.

The Wolverines Marching Band will perform at all home football games for the 2013-2014 season


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