PVHS Band Prepares Fall Drill

When Rob Corrao, Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) marching band director, started thinking about the music for this year's fall drill, he decided to just go with what he likes. "Chicago was my favorite band growing up," said Corrao. "I thought it might be time to do a Chicago show."

Having chosen the music, Corrao's next task was to introduce it to students during the week of band camp, which was held July 28 through Aug. 1. "It's so easy to look it up and listen (to music) instantaneously (now)," said Corrao, who recalled that it was not as simple when he first became interested in the band known for adding a horn section to its rock songs. "We had to wait by the radio for it to come on," he noted.

The PVHS marching band fall 2025 drill will open with "Make Me Smile," followed by the classic "Saturday in the Park," and conclude with "25 or 6 to 4." Corrao was unsure whether the students would enjoy the music, but he need not have worried. Drum majors Cameron Frank and Nathan Sensenig both said they appreciate the Chicago sound. "I think I love this music," stated Sensenig, who added that he appreciates the fast-paced and upbeat songs. Frank shared that she has grown up with the music and loved it before she knew it would comprise the fall show.

The co-leaders are also excited about the steps of the drill. "It's very fun. It's really cool the different patterns in our third (number)," shared Frank. "We make circles and numbers and a spiral that will look really cool on the field once it's put together."

Color guard director Jennifer Bilby said she plans to use six-foot flags and swing flags in the color guard drill. She said that keeping the eight guard members unified should complement the show. "The guard stay together in the back and flank the band (during the final number)," she said. "It makes more of an impact if they're together."

Corrao, along with assistant director Ray Lucera, drumline instructor Mai Ratjavong, and sergeant of arms Naomi Brumbach, braved the heat, along with the color guard and 19 musicians, on the school's football field during band camp week. Practice was held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 28 through 31 and 8 a.m. to noon on Aug 1. According to Sensenig, by the end of each day, the atmosphere would heat up as band members grew tired. "We try to get as much as we can done in the morning," stated Frank. To help keep the mood light, theme days are planned as part of the week. This year, Monday's theme was "Party in the USA," while Tropical Tuesday paid a nod to more colorful and relaxed outfits. Western Wednesday saw students in cowboy hats, and Throwback Thursday brought out marching band shirts and PV gear from previous years. Free-for-All Friday closed the week with outfits that Sensenig referred to as "out there and crazy."

Band moms also helped band members keep cool with fruit breaks. The band directors said they especially appreciated the watermelon slices. "It's both hydrating and tastes good," shared Sensenig. Corrao called the parents "super," adding that they bring a cake on the last day of camp to honor the eight seniors in what has become a yearly tradition.

According to Frank, the students have been learning the drill quickly. Corrao shared that there will be a few evening rehearsals before school starts and that the first show will be at the school's home football game on Friday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m., at the school, 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers. The band will also march in the New Holland Parade, which will open the New Holland Fair at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

For band members, learning to march in elaborate shapes on a football field in the July heat is not without its benefits. "The best part is all the memories we make," pointed out Sensenig. "The funny jokes and things (because) you can't create those any other way."