The sounds of marching bands practicing outside have become a familiar soundtrack as local schools dive into their fall seasons. Both area high schools are well underway with planning, practices, performances, and the music is already resonating with the community.
At Britton-Hecla School, the band, under the direction of new band teacher Jakob Walden, is in full swing. Walden reports that the band consists of 31 members, including the Color Guard. The group is currently preparing for several upcoming performances, including Friday’s Homecoming festivities and the Gypsy Days parade, Northern State University’s homecoming event, set for Saturday at 9 a.m. in Aberdeen.
“We are practicing for the volleyball games, football games, including Homecoming this Friday,” Walden said, noting the parade will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday. “We’re also working toward the Groton Marching Festival on October 11th.”
For these performances, the band is rehearsing Neil Diamond’s classic “Sweet Caroline” along with their school fight song, “Fight On!” Walden added that the band is often out practicing between 10:46 and 11:32 a.m., urging drivers to use caution around the school during those times.
Looking ahead, the Britton-Hecla band will perform at the Veterans Day Concert on Nov. 11, and their first major concert of the year will take place on Dec. 12, featuring the 6-12 grade Christmas Concert. An Elementary Concert is scheduled for Dec. 5.
“We’ve been working on lots of fun music, and we are all looking forward to a great year,” Walden said enthusiastically.
The Langford Area Marching Lions is composed of students from grades 6-12, with a total of 60 students participating this year. The band has been rehearsing since the first day of school and perfecting their routine. Senior trombonist, Ryder Smith, remarked “Marching is hot, sweaty work sometimes. But it’s a rewarding experience to try to beat our rivals every year!”
This fall, they marched for the homecoming parade, attended the Roncalli Marching Festival this week and will attend the Lake Region Marching Festival in Groton on Oct. 11. The band is marching to a mash-up of 70s disco classic, “Boogie Shoes” and TikTok sensation “Lil’ Boo Thang.” The piece also highlights a drum feature, including a line dance in the middle of the song.
Mrs. Kelly Wieser is the director of the band and is assisted by Laurie Darling. The flag team is directed by Ms. Anna Marie Sachs, with flag captains Jordis Jenner and Cassidy Nelson. Drum Majors are Eliana Darling and Emily Olson. Eliana Darling commented, “I’ve been the drum major since my freshman year and have learned a lot about leadership in that time. My favorite part of marching band is showing our energy and enthusiasm to the crowd!”
When they aren’t marching, the LA band is inside working on pep band music or perfecting little details on their marching music.
Competition days are some of the favorites of the year. “The students feed off the crowd on the side of the street and somehow manage to create even more energy. I’ve been so impressed with their maturity, leadership and enthusiasm this fall. It’s been some of my most fun weeks of teaching I can remember for a while,” said Band Director Wieser.
Temperature: 26°F Town: Britton, SD
Pressure: 1011 hPa
Wind: 7 mph
