No ‘offseason’ for North High band
North Fort Myers High School band director Sara Johnson instructs the marching band during a recent practice.
CHUCK BALLARO
It may have been late July with temperatures in the 90s, but that didn’t stop the North Fort Myers High School marching band from hitting the pavement and learning their routine for the upcoming season.
For them, the season has already started, and like any athlete, they’re working their way into shape, trying to improve upon the best season they ever had, finishing seventh in the state in Class 4A.
Yes, band is a competitive sport, and like football, members perform not only at football games but compete in competitions and earn victories in hopes to advance to states, which they did for the third time last year.
Sara Johnson, band director, has taken the program and slowly made it into a winner. That has involved a lot of sacrifice from her and the students who play under her direction.
“We did some things in June to get the kids in a better situation before the went to summer break. We exposed them to some of the marching and music we will play this year, and two weeks ago we started,” Johnson said. “The purpose is to get everybody here, including incoming freshmen, teach them the fundamentals of how to march, and teach them the music.”
Being in a marching band is not easy. Having to march in unison with a musical instrument that weighs 30 pounds takes some ability, which is the reason for camp, to make them sweat a little bit in the parking lot, which can get to over 100 degrees.
“You’re out there a long time and holding instruments and that’s hard, whether you’re in great shape or not. It’s a workout both physically and mentally,” said Johnson, who would like to continue to make progress in state placement.
The band this year will have around 136 members, which is the largest number they have ever had despite the impact of the pandemic, with what she believes is the strongest set of musicians who have the biggest incentive to be great despite the setbacks.
This season, the halftime show will have an Alice in Wonderland theme called “Beyond the Rabbit Hole.” There will be props and radical formations on the field to make the most difficult performance to date.
“There will be a large visual presence, characters on the field and lots of things that staff and I have put together, with original music and choreography,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to see how this show comes to life.”
Rob Law, battery coordinator (think percussion coach) who helped with composing the music, said the in-house way of creation has been successful.
“There are years where we write our own music and years where we buy famous songs and arrange them into a show. We’re learning new programs and have a new drill-writing software we’re trying to relearn. It’s a learning process as we go,” Law said.
Any successful program needs senior leaders on the team, and this band is no exception. Matt Slater, who plays the quad line (drums), said the vibes are really good right now.
“We’re happy to be back on the pavement. We did really good last year and we’re trying to bring that vibe and culture this year and be better than last year,” Slater said. “We sound better and we look really good this year.”
Megan Hill, the brass captain who plays trumpet, said the band is her home away from home.
“I love doing shows with them. It’s amazing. The energy is insane. Everyone is getting along well, they’re committed and there’s a great feeling about this season,” Hill said. “Coach J is one of my biggest inspirations. She is a great role model.”
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com