CVHS Band Practices Fall Drill

In the summer of 2020, when the members of the Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) marching band faced learning a fall drill and music amidst COVID-19 restrictions, band director Brandon Nase decided to let the students have fun - choosing songs by Queen and Metallica.

This year, the drill has taken a more serious turn as the 42 band members, drum major Sophie Welch, and assistant drum major Bryan Weder, and five color guard members, prepare for competitions at Hempfield High School on Saturday, Sept. 11; at CVHS on Saturday, Sept. 18; and in Hershey as part of Cavalcade of Bands, where Nase expects the band will perform in the American division on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13 and 14.

To prepare for competition, band camp was held in the evenings on Monday to Thursday from Aug. 2 to 5, with daytime sessions held Friday, Aug. 6 and Monday to Friday, Aug. 9 to 13.

The theme for this year's drill is "The Elements," with the first song representing earth, the second song reflecting on water, and the third celebrating fire. "'Earth' is our opener," said Nase. "'Water' is our ballad, which is nice because you have those fluid, curved forms (in the drill)." "Water" will be followed by a percussion break, and the closer, which will focus on fire, will be performed with intensity. Welch will conduct the first two songs into the percussion break, when Weder will take over and conduct the finish. Original music for the show was purchased from Standing O Marching. Nase noted that the show will begin with a trio - a flute, a trumpet, and a mellophone playing - and that a flute solo will be featured during "Water." Guard members using 6-foot flags, swing flags, rifles, and sabers will also have solos at various points in the show.

"The drill is designed to fit the music," said Nase, who noted that the band members begin seemingly scattered on the field and performing choreographed moves. As the music flows into "Water," curved shapes will be created by the marchers. Weder noted that spiral shapes reminiscent of swirling water will be followed by block type forms as the music moves toward the impact of "Fire."

Welch noted that the ballad offers some level of difficulty. "The musicality is challenging," she said. "Getting the music to sing and capture the element we are trying to portray (is difficult)."

Although Weder agreed that mastering the music can be a challenge, he added that the band membership includes a number of first-timers, who are not familiar with the rigors of marching band. Nase agreed, saying that uniformity is always a goal, but added "We have a younger group this year that is doing a great job."

To keep spirits up as students practiced in the summer heat, band camp Olympics were held each day. Activities included guard pole javelin and an attention game where students had to remain still without blinking or smiling. Students were also divided into teams and asked to perform an original skit on the last day of camp.