With all the things going on, it can be easy to overlook a major part of our school. The Chelsea marching band is something almost every student has seen, whether it’s at football games or in a parade. But what some students may not know about is all the hard work and preparation that goes into the spectacular performances they put on. Catarina Rossi(’27), who plays the mellophone (which looks like an oversized trumpet), described the importance of structure within band rehearsals and how coordinates determine formations during a given performance.
“We have little charts with coordinates, and you have to do some math.” Rossi said, “You then have to find out your coordinate and stand in that certain coordinate, or you move to another coordinate.”
Students participating in the CHS band program are required to join the marching band. Members have plenty of time to rehearse, however, as there are practice times scheduled before school, during class time, and before the marching season.
“We have a couple of summer practices and Band Camp, which is seven and a half hours a day for four days,” Rossi said. So they have experience before going out onto the field and playing at the football game halftime shows.
With band camp, all the marchers get some well-needed preparation for the big night. But apart from band camp, band members also get specific training for their instruments.
“The week before Band Camp, there’s Drum Camp,” said Maryn Cie Chanski (’27), who plays the bass drum. “It helps prepare the drums so they know what they’re doing.” There is a lot of practice and effort that goes into the marching band before they step out and present their music to the world. But not just the mechanics need to be carefully prepared.
When asked about what songs the band will be playing, Rossi told the Bleuprint, “We’re playing our show called Revolutionary Rock, which includes Painted Black by The Rolling Stones, Freebird by Leonard Skinner, Your Song by Elton John, and I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts.” This is a set of songs that appeal to many different types of people, not just rock enthusiasts.
Being in the marching band takes lots of concentration, effort, math, and so much more. “Marching band is a sport.” Cie Chanski said: With all the work and skill needed to be successful in the band, you can see why some consider the band a sport.
The marching band has had lots of preparation in order to show off their music. Jacob Hackett (’27), who plays the baritone, said “We have a pregame rehearsal.” Hackett said. “So we just run through the whole show, and then we march over to the field and do it again.” They need to make sure to rehearse so that when the time comes, they are perfect for the football game.
Marching can take lots of skill; people who can’t multitask well may find it hard to actually succeed. “It’s still somewhat difficult sometimes because it’s hard to remember four songs and four movements all at once.” Cie Chanski (‘27) said Lots of effort goes into preparing these shows for their hosts. “It starts out difficult, but over time it gets easier.” Rossi said.
So make sure to come out and support the band. You’ll hear some awesome songs and get to witness an amazing display of skill and talent from these fantastic instrumentalists; they have put together something quite spectacular and have practiced above and beyond to perfection. I can’t wait for you to see them!
