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Marching band to attend more local rather than out-of-state events

By Afra Hussain
<ahussain@hilite.org>

The marching band will travel to Lawrence Central High School on Saturday. Part of the plan to stay in-state more, according to performing arts teacher Rachel Tookolo, who works with the woodwind section, involves
no out-of-state performances this year thus far.

DREAM TEAM: Members of the marching b and practice with white pillows in preparation for a particular theme. The theme this year is \

“Going out-of-state was something that we did to see other groups and experience other performing areas and get another performance experience for us,” Tookolo said. In previous years the band traveled to competitions in St. Louis and Atlanta.

Tookolo said one reason for staying in-state was to facilitate participation in Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) events.

Another reason was the new field trip policy. Due to increasing gas prices and a subsequent reduction in district field trips, Assistant Principal Ronda Eshleman must approve them all. “We don’t think it’s going to be an issue, but we don’t know,” Tookolo said. Despite the now necessary approval from Eshleman, the band does not travel lightly or inexpensively. When the band travels it takes six buses for at least 200 students.

Kevin Carlson, drum major and senior, said he does not mind the scheduling changes. “Every season’s completely different.”

He said he focuses more on future performances: “We don’t focus on competition; our goal is to always do our best performance.”

Performing the best this year requires the use of over 100 pillows as props. Carlson said preparation started earlier this year with new music available earlier than usual. “I’m really happy with how the show’s come together,” he said.

Seeing some of the same groups repeatedly does not bother Carlson either. In fact, he said it leads to stronger rivalries between schools. “It’s a different sort of competitive environment,” he said.

Carlson said that the healthy competition without hostility helps the group perform better. Concerning the upcoming competition, Carlson said, “We’re going to try and give this school a marching band to be proud of.”

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