A presidential-election year, some patriotism seems in order for Clarkston Marching Band.
‘It’s a patriotic show,? said Shelley S. Roland, music director. ‘It’s very interesting. The kids love it.?
‘The kids enjoy it, and the home (football game) crowd enjoys it,? said marching band Director Mike Lewis. ‘It works well with both.?
The show is based on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘Four Freedoms? speech, Jan. 6, 1941, about Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.
‘Our show incorporates those themes,? Roland said.
Musical selections include ‘Star Spangled Banner,? ‘America the Beautiful,? and ‘Amazing Grace.” The show incorporates tarp-size tapestries based on Norman Rockwell’s paintings, illustrating the speech.
‘We haven’t used props in a number of years,? she said.
Led by drum majors Alex LaForge, Anne Marie Hart, and Pat Furlo, the 150-member band takes to the field in competition Oct. 11, at the Linden Invitational.
Their first competition, Lamphere Invitation, was on Sept. 20. The band scored 63.7 points.
‘They scored very well, for a starting score ? nine points higher than last year at this time,? she said. ‘We’re feeling really good.?
‘I couldn’t be happier after this last weekend ? the kids have been great,? Lewis said. ‘We’re off to a good start.?
The band hosts 22 area marching bands at the Clarkston Invitational, 2-10:30 p.m., Oct. 18. They compete Oct. 25 at Huron Valley Invitational, and hopefully Nov. 1 at Michigan Competing Bands Association’s competition at Ford Field in Detroit. The season wraps up Nov. 6 with the indoor Band O-Rama at Clarkston High School.
‘The kids are working hard, good camaraderie,? Roland said. ‘They come in early to practice.?
‘They rehearse on their own,? Lewis said.
Parents put in lots of volunteer hours, making new flags for the color guard, and about 300 mini-flags for fans to wave at competitions.