Garden Spot Marching Band Prepares Fall Drill

In the summer of 2024, the Garden Spot Marching Band (GSMB) went through a few changes, adding eighth-grade students, and began transitioning to a more competitive unit by taking part in the Cavalcade of Bands exhibition series. Last year's show, featuring music by Randall Standridge and a drill written by band director Katie Bennici, focused on mystery and spies, with students forming shapes such as giant question marks and carrying flags with images of spies on them.

For 2025, the same duo has crafted the show, but this year the focus is on electricity and is appropriately named "Live Wire." Beasley recalled that she was applying for a Spartan Foundation grant for electronic equipment at the same time she was searching for a show theme. "When we were looking for a show and I was working on this grant, we knew it would be perfect," she noted. The Spartan Foundation grant, which the band received, covered microphones for the front ensemble, speakers for narration and sound effects, and microphones to amplify the field. "It's amazing," said Bennici, who added that she was also able to procure three power-line props for the show. The props resemble shiny metal antennae towers. "They are interactive, so students will stand on the second run of the ladder," Bennici explained. Solos this year will include Meredith Good on mellophone and Jack Larson on saxophone.

The 55 members and nine color guard who make up GSMB gathered on July 28 through 31 for mini band camp from 4 to 8 p.m. each day. On Aug. 4 through Aug. 8, they rehearsed again from noon to 8. A show for parents was held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 8.

The drill opens with the band forming two lightning bolts on the field. The show includes narration, and Bennici said that one of the first is "Warning, Do Not Cross the Yellow Line!" "The color guard will make the yellow line we will break through," said Bennici.

Drum majors Elena Zimmermand and Jenna Zueno noted that the drill includes challenges such as directional changes and visual isolation of band sections. "Getting (band members) to move to where they need to be is a very unique (experience)," explained Zimmerman.

"It's a decent challenge musically," added Zueno, who noted that playing the music while marching and focusing on dynamics and articulation is not easy. "They're doing a great job so far," she pointed out.

Indeed, Bennici was impressed with the band's progress during camp. "They just did the whole first movement continuously, which is amazing for the morning of day three (of band camp)," she stated.

Bennici said she had fun writing the drill, and the drum majors said that band members are experiencing the joy of seeing the show come together. "There's a section called follow-the-leader with trumpets and color guard in a giant rectangle of winds and brass. It's so cool," stated Zueno. Bennici explained that in that segment, the narration is talking about unidirectional electricity, and that the follow-the-leader dynamic represents that current. Alternating current is represented as a sine wave on the field during the ballad.

To add a little more fun into the long days of marching and learning, the drum majors organize theme dress-up days and daily band Olympic competitions for which students receive points. This year, the week began with Mayhem Monday, which encouraged students to come up with off-the-wall costumes. Time Travel Tuesday gave students a chance to dress in clothing reminiscent of the past or focused on the future. Woods Wednesday encouraged outdoorsy outfits, and Section Night invited each section of the band to come up with its own theme and dress accordingly. For the Friday night parent show, students wore their band shirts, with leadership team members wearing special tie-dyed patterns.

"The leadership team is absolutely amazing this year," noted Bennici, who noted the leaders include the drum majors plus a number of section leaders. Impressive leadership is especially important this year as the band marches into a realm where a higher level of achievement will be expected. "We are competing for the first time," shared Bennici, who noted that the band will take part in a U.S. Bands circuit show on Saturday, Sept. 13, and in the Cavalcade Circuit American Class championships on Saturday, Nov. 1. The band will also march in the New Holland Fair Parade on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Bennici believes the students are preparing to develop a competitive edge. "The staff has been blown away by the students' positive attitudes," she said. "They want to be challenged, and they want to be pushed. No matter how tired they are they are pushing through to new heights."

Zimmerman and Zueno echoed Bennici, noting that they have witnessed band members' confidence and will to succeed. "The energy is amazing," stated Zueno.

"(Band members) are very open minded," added Zimmerman.

Both students agreed that the attitude and outlook was important. "We have a lot of new competitions to get ready for," said Zimmerman.

"Other bands, get ready," said Zueno with a chuckle.

"Everyone is stepping up this year," concluded Bennici.