VOL. XVI, NO. 1
SEPTEMBER 27, 1974
Equal Time
By LORRIE SWANSON
Who lurks behind the blue, gold, and white band uniforms during the football games at half‑time? Maybe you wondered how the band does all those elaborate, marching formations on the field and still manage to play their instruments with a certain degree of decency. Perhaps you've been too busy standing in line at the concession stand buying zit‑producing food. But whether you've heard the band or not, Westerner decided to interview bandmember Kathy Nickles '75, who is also one of the music directors for this year's V‑Show, S*M*A*S*H.
Kathy Nickles, who plays a meliphonium (a heavy, big‑bellied instrument that has a lot of tubing and produces a mellow sound) says that the marching band actually starts in the winter, when auditions for the concert band are held; and the best people are chosen. Then, of course, there are the chaotic uniform fittings, (which Kathy is regretfully in charge of) that all lead up to September, when Mr. Paul Magnusson starts writing up the charts and makes a grid of the football field, showing each musicians' exact location and position on the field.
Who lurks behind the blue, gold, and white band uniforms during the football games at half‑time? Maybe you wondered how the band does all those elaborate, marching formations on the field and still manage to play their instruments with a certain degree of decency. Perhaps you've been too busy standing in line at the concession stand buying zit‑producing food. But whether you've heard the band or not, Westerner decided to interview bandmember Kathy Nickles '75, who is also one of the music directors for this year's V‑Show, S*M*A*S*H.
Kathy Nickles, who plays a meliphonium (a heavy, big‑bellied instrument that has a lot of tubing and produces a mellow sound) says that the marching band actually starts in the winter, when auditions for the concert band are held; and the best people are chosen. Then, of course, there are the chaotic uniform fittings, (which Kathy is regretfully in charge of) that all lead up to September, when Mr. Paul Magnusson starts writing up the charts and makes a grid of the football field, showing each musicians' exact location and position on the field.
From then on it is practice, practice, practice, which most of the A-wing, English classes watch during periods 4-5a, and every other free moment that the band has. Kathy says from then on you must eat, drink, and sleep band until the football game. The band has anywhere from two days to three weeks (for Homecoming) plus any other game in between for preparation. This calls for hard work that consists of memorizing marching positions, perhaps learning to play an alternate, marching instrument, and lots of precise timing and concentration.
Sue Rose '75, member of the twirlers, shares similar duties with the band. After receiving recordings of the band's arrangements, the captains, Leslie Novak '75 and Terhilda Garrido '77, must choreograph the baton routines, which can lead to a lot of suggestions and "discussions.''
There is very little nervousness on the field," says Sue. "It is important to talk it up on the field so we all keep in rhythm and step. A lot of this rests on Tom Ward '75, who is the drum major." Being in the marching band can be very frustrating and discouraging, but the band and twirlers can be proud to know that there are some people in the bleachers that don't always wait for mistakes and do feel that the band is a reward after a great effort to win is made by the Maine West football team.
Sue Rose '75, member of the twirlers, shares similar duties with the band. After receiving recordings of the band's arrangements, the captains, Leslie Novak '75 and Terhilda Garrido '77, must choreograph the baton routines, which can lead to a lot of suggestions and "discussions.''
There is very little nervousness on the field," says Sue. "It is important to talk it up on the field so we all keep in rhythm and step. A lot of this rests on Tom Ward '75, who is the drum major." Being in the marching band can be very frustrating and discouraging, but the band and twirlers can be proud to know that there are some people in the bleachers that don't always wait for mistakes and do feel that the band is a reward after a great effort to win is made by the Maine West football team.