It has been a busy week for the marching Scotties who just spent the last five days at Band Camp. This year’s camp kicked off on Sunday the 15th at the high school. The band typically goes away during band camp week but this year the high school was transformed to provide a similar experience. Students were treated to fun activities in the evening, a movie night and a pool party.
Everyone worked hard to learn new songs and routines all based around this year’s circus theme. The performance is titled “The Greatest Show” and while it is inspired by the movie The Greatest Showman, the theme is centered around the premise that life is the greatest show. Carrie Schott, one of the color guard directors, explained how theatrical this year’s competition show is going to be. There will be a ringmaster, props, and tumbling incorporated into the performance. For the first time ever the music is being arranged specifically for Tri-Valley. Sean Bradley, the Band Director at Licking Valley High School is the composer. The music is not the only element of the show that is custom. All of the costumes are being made specifically for them as well.
It takes many people to pull an epic show like this together and several patient and talented individuals to work with around 74 marching band students during the camp week and throughout the season. The Tri-Valley band director of 23 years, Amanda Blevins is one of those people. Karen Hand is the drill writer, she runs rehearsals with Amanda. Color guard directors Carrie Schott and Mandy Walton also play an important role in preparing these kids for performances. During band camp week several college students volunteer to help run sectionals.
A sample of “The Greatest Show” will be performed on Friday, July 20 at 12:45 pm at the Jack Anderson Stadium. Everyone is invited to attend and there is no admission fee. The show will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Attendees who watch the marching Scotties throughout their journey this year will notice a growth from the first show to the final performance in November.
See below for a list of upcoming Tri-Valley Marching Band performances.
• Adamsville Homecoming Parade: Wednesday, July 25
• Melon Festival: Saturday, August 4 at 10 am
• Muskingum County Fair: Tuesday, August 14 at 5:30 pm
• All Football Games (see schedule)
The band is also going to OSU to be part of a skull session during an OSU football game.
