BHS Marching Band Prepares for Season
Heat and humidity have not prevented BHS marching band members from attending band camp from July 28 to August 1, where they spend eight hours per day at the high school. Students and staff are excited about this year’s halftime show.
During halftime, the crowd will be entertained by songs from the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. Selections include Everybody, Bye Bye Bye and I Want It That Way. The show will also feature a dance break.
Majorette and Color Guard Instructor Liza Ralston influenced the music choices. Ralston shared that these songs allow dance elements to be included in the majorette and color guard routines. The crowd will also be able to jive and sing along due to the songs’ familiarity.
Instructor Ralston added that there are 21 auxiliary members. As part of this total, 8 majorettes and 4 color guard members are new. Though challenging, Ralston expressed that the new members are all at the same basic level and are learning the routines quickly.
Marching Band Director Devin Blair is starting his fourth season at Barnesville. Blair stated that the band has increased to 49 this year. He continued to state that this year’s group has strong student leadership. The staff includes: Director Devin Blair, Assistant Director Alex Davidson, Majorette and Color Guard Instructor Liza Ralston, and volunteers Courtney Davidson and Hanna Travis.
Leading the band on the field as Field Commander is Junior Linkoln Jendrusik. Jendrusik is thrilled to start the football season. When asked what his favorite part of band camp is, he expressed that it is “the friends we make along the way.”
Each camp day is themed to add a dimension of fun. This year’s themes are:
- Monday – Tie-Dye Day
- Tuesday – Adam Sandler
- Wednesday – Mean Girls Pink Day
- Thursday – Beach Day
- Friday – Section Wars (Each section sports its assigned color)
In addition, lunch is provided each day by various groups and individuals. This year’s donors are:
- Monday – Barnesville Band Sponsors
- Tuesday – Barnesville Alumni Band
- Wednesday – Kiwanis
- Thursday – Victory Baptist Church
- Friday – Mary Ellen Hannahs
Due to the growth in numbers, Director Blair explained the need for new uniforms. The Barnesville Shamrock Band Sponsors are raising the needed $12,000 through business and individual sponsorships. Every donor will receive recognition. There are various levels of sponsorship listed on the Barnesville Shamrock Marching Band Facebook page. Donation checks should be made payable to Barnesville Shamrock Band Sponsors and can be mailed to Barnesville High School, c/o Devin Blair, 910 Shamrock Drive, Barnesville, Ohio 43713. A receipt will be provided for tax purposes.
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