MTHS Marching Band Prepares Fall Drill

"('X Marks the Spot') will be our best show yet," said Rowen Salfrank, president of the Manheim Township High School (MTHS) marching band. "It is musically and visually dynamic, and it's a lot more theatrical," she added.

The 100 members of the marching band, including 22 color guard members, practiced the pirate-themed show during band camp, which was held at the school from Aug. 8 through 12 and from Aug. 15 through 19.

"X Marks the Spot" features pirate costumes for the color guard and includes a variety of songs with themes that allude to pirates or sailing the ocean. The two songs that open the show are Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," by Antonin Dvorak and "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by Dropkick Murphys. Next is the ballad, which consists of "My Jolly Sailor Bold," a traditional sea shanty, followed by "Zombie" by The Cranberries. The final segment is "Wellerman," another traditional sea shanty as performed by Nathan Evans, and finally, "He's a Pirate" by Klaus Badelt, which audience members may recognize from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

"What's cool about this show is that we have a lot of different things going on at once," said woodwind captain Merola Atta. Salfrank agreed, noting that there is a point when the woodwinds have a long hold while members of the brass are marching backward. Drum major Maggie Spealman said that the juxtaposition calls attention to the woodwind music at that point.

A number of band members are in the spotlight during the show. Andy Holscher and Jay McCardell perform trumpet solos, and Brayden Minnich performs a flugelhorn solo. Cameron Ribbich has an alto saxophone solo. Percussionists who perform alone include Henry Zellers on tenor and Lucy van Harscamp on xylophone. The show includes a snare duet between Owen Troop and August Beaulieu, as well as solos by Brogan Greer, percussion captain, and band vice president Jack Schrader during "Wellerman." A color guard feature brings together a trio of guard captain Priscille Juin on rifle, Izzy Bodnar on saber, and Lily Kilgore, who also performs a solo, on flag. Juin, who also has a saber solo, noted that more weapons than usual are being utilized in the drill. She also stated that the dancers are more interactive and that a basket toss, where one of the color guard is thrown into the air and caught, is included.

To keep spirits raised during the final week of camp, theme days were held. Mutiny Monday reflected the pirate theme, as did Tropical Tuesday. White Lie Wednesday found members telling humorous tales about themselves, and section T-shirt Thursday featured decorated shirts made by members. Friday was reserved for a family picnic and traditional volleyball game between seniors and staff.

MTHS band director Scott Siegel noted that he and his staff endeavor to make sure each show is different from the year before. "We try to do something unique so a member who is in four years does four uniquely different shows," he said.

The marching band will perform "X Marks the Spot" for the first time for parents, alumni, and the community on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at MTHS, 115 Blue Streak Blvd., Lancaster. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and there will be free admission. The Good Humor truck will be on-site, and guests may purchase an ice cream treat prior to the start of the show.