Written by Jennifer Walker, Dresden Buzz
Mid-July for our beloved marching band members signals one big event: band camp. The past few days have been what is known as pre-camp; where students spend hours practicing with their respective instrument sections, engaging in one-on-one ‘music checks’ with TVMB monarch Amanda G. Blevins, and preparing their upcoming fall show.
The most prominent example of the hard work these students put forth is clearly seen in their 37 consecutive trips to the OMEA State competition, but many of the other effects of this dedication are a little more behind the scenes. Marley Kennedy, band aide and TVMB alumnus, attributes this to the closeness and involvement of each band member with their peers, especially in cases of upperclassmen working with younger students. “Each of the older kids are so good about doing whatever they can for the other members of their sections, and it’s really helped create a bond that will continue to teach each younger class how to be confident in themselves and to take on leadership roles after the [seniors] graduate,” said Kennedy of the progress so far this summer.
As impressive as such a winning record is, this year’s group brings a few welcome surprises to the table; the first of these being their sheer size. While Tri-Valley is not, by any means, a small school district, the marching band successfully recruits about 20 kids per class, which means the band ranges in size from about 60-80 people at a time. While this is no small feat, regardless of the size of the student body, the new school year seems to bring with it an onslaught of fresh potential.
Many of our present senior Marching Scotties have been with the band since they were in 7th or 8th grade, and let it be known that these young adults wouldn’t have it any other way. The band culture, as many respective sports and clubs also possess, shapes these young men and women into beacons of leadership for those following in the same footprints. This close-knit environment and constant support create opportunities to grow for anyone who desires to do so. Senior clarinet player, Marissa Sees, agrees her years in band have set her up for the coming challenge that is higher education and high school graduation: “I definitely feel like I’ve learned a lot of things that I can take with me just about anywhere I go after high school. I have leadership experience, I’ve become more confident in myself and my abilities, and I’ve made friends that I’ll have for life.”
Among the excitement each late summer brings students, hinting towards Friday night lights to come, is an equally enthusiastic and confident Ms. Amanda Blevins. While the efforts of countless talented, determined teenagers brings the dream to life, our resident band director and guru here in Dresden is the looming force behind each dazzling show. Ms. Blevins’ sneak peek of the 2019-2020 show’s flavor hints toward something classic, timeless… something elegant and old. But, no matter- the fusion of Ms. Blevins’ musical genius and the hearts and souls of every member on the field is sure to give us a twist on the classics that we’ll never forget.
Thanks to our amazing color guard–which has about twice the amount of members as it did last year—and the ever-growing number of enthusiastic elementary and junior high students looking to begin their journey in several years as a Marching Scottie, this year’s visually striking show is looking to be something we’ve never seen before at Jack Anderson Stadium.
