By Meghan Grainer, Mikaela Smith, and T’Aisya Squire
The drumline performed at the September meeting of the Henrico County School Board, which recognized the achievements of the Blue Devil Marching Band.
The band has earned the title of honors band 13 times since XXXX at the State Marching Band Festival.
Drum major Derrick Williams said the drum line rehearsed for three days prior to their performance, which received a standing ovation. Instruments included two quints, three snares, cymbals and four basses.
Senior drumline member Brandon Wyatt said, “We were very honored to be there.”
In a five-minute performance, the drumline played tunes including “HS” and “Split Two.”
Senior section leader Chenaniah Manson said he was excited to show the board members what an honors band sounds like.
“Everybody got to see what an honors band looked like for real,” Chenaniah said, “and we got to perform and show off what we did at states. We shined when everybody was watching us.”
Rehearsals for marching band begin during the summer and continue throughout the fall after school from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Rehearsal includes physical training, marching, musical performance and stand tunes.
“I want them to have the same mentality that I do. I don’t want them to be in band because their parents told them. I want them to have the heart,” Derrick said.
Senior flute player Darian Verse said the band takes over her life at the beginning of the school year. She said band director Brian Morton is flexible when they practice, and he does not lose his patience.
Mr. Morton said the strength of the band is the talent in the younger players although they need to continue to improve their work ethic. Mr. Morton said the musicians listen to a piece and easily mimic what they hear.
Mr. Morton said his goal is to get the new and the returning band members on the same page. Since he has a large number of new band members, Mr. Morton said that getting everyone to the same place is challenging.
In October, the Blue Devils fell short of receiving their fourth consecutive superior ranking at the State Marching Band Assessment. Their score of 78 earned an excellent rating. A five-member panel evaluated the band in marching, music, general effect, battery (drumline) and auxiliary (color guard).
Senior trumpeter Adrian Carpenter said he was disappointed with the rating for the band.
“It felt horrible, like we have had a superior rating for the last three years in a row, and it feels bad not being able to continue. However, this was our best performance of the season,” Adrian said.
In addition to performing at football games, pep rallies and competitions, the band plays at grand openings of stores, head-to-head high school competitions and downtown’s Grand Illumination.
For the Marching Blue Devils, there is never time to stand still.
“Our goal is to strive for higher heights like performing more complex music and choreography,” Derrick said.
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