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Marching band freshmen are one step ahead
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Spartan marchng band percussionists went over marching beats during the freshman pre-practice Monday. Seniors helped teach the freshmen the popular beats they will be playing during the season.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Snapping to the playing position and holding the instrument upright was a focus area of Monday's marching band feshmen pre-practice. This is the second year time has been allotted specifically to teaching freshmen marchers.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Spartan marching band section leaders made sure the freshmen held their legs correctly while practicing a high step. The next pre-practice will be Monday.
The season for precise movements, marching in step and dancing Sweethearts is close at hand.
The Boardman Spartan marching band held a pre-practice for incoming freshmen and new section leaders Monday in the school’s front parking lot. The yellow lines painted on the lot served as yard lines like the lines the band will be using on the football field.
Basic marching techniques, such as 8 to 5 step marching, were taught. In a straight line, each member must take eight steps, simultaneously, to reach each yard line. How to properly hold and snap instruments to playing position was also covered. Facing to the left and right, rest positions and marching band linguistics were all a part of the pre-practice.
Head band director Thomas Ruggieri said the practice is a good way to get the freshmen acclimated to the techniques before the upperclassmen join them. This is the second year the band has held practice specifically geared to the freshmen.
BHS senior percussionist Alex Siwicki didn’t have an opportunity to learn how to march prior to joining the whole marching band. He feels the band gets better each year and the freshmen pre-practice is beneficial for everyone.
“When the entire band comes, the freshmen already know how to march,” he said. “We can get right into learning the shows without having to waste time teaching them the basics.”
Freshman Ramar Navarro, who plays the baritone, is looking forward to the marching band season. He said he has a lot to learn, but can’t wait to perform at the games. So far, the pre-practice has helped him learn how to march.
“I’m excited and scared,” Navarro said.