PVHS To Present "Paint It Black"

Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) marching band drum majors Karli Martin and Peter Brumbach have different reasons for enjoying band camp.

"I really like the music, and I am really excited to put this show on the field," said Martin of this year's drill titled, "Paint It Black," which features three songs made famous by rock 'n' roll bands.

Brumbach is enjoying the camaraderie of the camp. "Our drill isn't that complicated, but we have fun doing it. That's what marching band is all about," he said.

From Aug. 1 through 5, the 25 members of the band, including color guard, met at the school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day to practice the show, which opens with "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin, continues with the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black," and ends with "Light My Fire" by the Doors. The music was chosen by band director Rob Corrao and arranged by Ryan Kriebel, who also wrote the drill. The color guard instructor is Jennifer Bilby.

Corrao noted that the band has few seniors and for the most part students were not familiar with the music. "I know this music," responded Martin, who said that both her parents enjoy rock 'n' roll. "I grew up with this (music) in my house." Conversely, Brumbach noted that he had never heard the songs until now.

The music will include a clarinet and trumpet feature. As a baritone saxophone player, Martin said that the music includes exciting moments. "The dynamics help to move it along," she said.

According to Brumbach, who plays snare drum, the percussion section is mastering the drill with only a few problems keeping lines straight. Members of the woodwind section will pause a few times during the show, and they are developing a visual to add interest at those times. Twirler Kyleigh Jarvis, who has been taking part in national competitions this summer, is developing a routine to perform throughout the band as its members march, and color guard members will use 6-foot flags in their performance.

PVHS marching band members traditionally hold social activities during the evenings on band camp week. This year, they played minigolf, attended a performance of "David" at Sight & Sound Theatre, and held a pool party. "It's nice getting to hang out with people," said Brumbach.

Martin agreed, noting that it is especially nice getting to know the younger band members, but she pointed out that she is looking forward to the fall. "I am really excited to see how it (the show) looks when we learn everything," said Martin.

The PVHS marching band will play at school football games, starting with the home game on Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. In addition, the band will take part in the New Holland Fair parade and possibly a parade in Millersville.