GSHS Band To Explore "Star Wars" Theme

When the Garden Spot High School (GSHS) marching band staff chose the theme "Star Wars" from a number of suggestions made by band members, the decision opened the door to creating intergalactic figures on the field, super high notes for trumpet players to hit, and a chance for color guard members to don wings.

The nearly 90 members of the GSHS band tackled all those challenges and more when they met at the school each day from July 25 to 29. Band members practiced marching and worked to learn music behind the school from 8 a.m. to noon. Each evening, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., they practiced on the football field and celebrated a different fun dress-up theme. On Monday, students dressed as barbecue dads and soccer moms. On Tuesday, costumes gave a nod to movies and television shows. Wednesday was safari night, and Thursday was section night, when members of a section dress alike. On Friday, the students performed the show on the field for family members.

Drum majors Davia Zimmerman, Sarah Babb, and Jillian Apgar reported that the show opens with "The Mandalorian," followed by "March of the Resistance" and "The Rise of Skywalker." The band will leave the field to the theme from "Star Wars." Zimmerman noted that the music differs from past drills because it is technical versus lyrical. "It's very precise music," noted drumline captain Cole Leaman. Apgar added that "The Rise of Skywalker" is the most difficult due to the tempo and meter.

Not only is the music challenging, marchers reported steps on the field are intricate as well. "The drill is complicated," said Megan Hechler, section leader for trumpets. Sean Skinner, who leads the saxophones, added that the band members are required to do a number of pass-throughs. Band member Kasey Miller explained that the arcs and straight lines band members form will create pictures of objects and individuals associated with "Star Wars," such as a Star Destroyer, a TIE fighter, and Darth Vader, where members of the percussion section will serve as the character's eyes.

The color guards will have plenty to do on the field as well. Cora Martin noted that a trio of color guards will have a special performance at the beginning of "The Rise of Skywalker," and Mikaila Whenry noted that two swing flags attached together will create wings for the guard members to wear.

Although the band lost a number of senior members when the Class of 2022 graduated, band director Rich Fitz praised the musical accomplishments of the group during camp. Band member Brooke Gockley hopes that area residents will find out for themselves by attending a football game this fall. "Come see the show," she said.