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The beat goes on for Fitch marching band
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Fitch High School band members showed off their school spirit with their friends during their practice Aug 8.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Fitch High School Senior Drum Major, Scott Williams, was excited to practice with his fellow band mates for his final year Aug 8.
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Fitch High School band members, Julie Olzak (left) and Jamie Rasor, were eager to practice were eager to practice with their friends and prepare for a new season Aug 8.
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Xavier Barret (left) Stephen Scannell, Marissa Zambetis and Sean Rogers were enthusiastic about practicing for the new and upcoming season Aug 8.
By EARTHA TERRELL
With school starting earlier than usual, the Fitch High School marching band has less preparation time. But members have met the challenge with open arms and managed to gear up for a promising season.
“The kids have really been working hard this year. They really had to rise up. They’re practicing a lot more independently,” said Sheila Henline. Booster club president.
Participating in band has not only benefited members’ musical skills, but has also provided a platform for students to learn and utilize life skills they can always fall back on throughout adulthood.
“It’s amazing watching these kids grow up musically and personally. They develop leadership, responsibility, teamwork and time management skills. Every year, we lose a great group of seniors and it’s amazing how the upcoming classes always step up into leadership. To be in a such a large group requires maturity and knowing that you always have to do the right thing. These are life things,” said Band Director Wesley O’Conner.
In addition to Friday night football games and band nights, the band is preparing to perform at a host of venues during the upcoming season, including Boardman High School’s band show, the Canfield Fair, Disneyland and Universal Studios.
As the year approaches, some seniors look forward to showing off their talents during halftime, but are aware that this will be their final year to play.
“What’s nice about being in the band is that you automatically know people on the first day of school and you’ll always have friends. I’m happy to be a senior, but I’m also sad because I’m going to miss the band,” said senior Drum Major Scott Williams.