The start of the school year means one thing: it’s marching band season.
Preparation for the marching band competition season for the North Augusta High School Jacket Regiment starts at the end of the previous season, said Marching Band Director Chuck Deen.
“I start after this marching band season for the next one and just planning on getting our show concept, prop design, music selection,” Deen said.
Once school ended, the students had two weeks off before returning for two Tuesday mini-camps from 6-9 p.m., he said. They then had the week of July 4 off and then band camp fully started back the week of July 8.
“We had four days and then two mini camps and now here we are in school,” Deen said.
During rehearsals, the amount of time spent on the practice field depends on the weather, Deen said. Practices that take place after school gets out are usually from 3:45 p.m. until 6 p.m., but if it’s too hot, they’ll stay inside longer to practice before making their way to the field.
Gaby Cordez, a senior in the marching band who plays the piccolo, said practice can be difficult because of the heat, but they find ways to make it enjoyable.
Each year the marching band has a theme for its performance and this year’s theme is The Edge of kNIGHT, which Deen said is their version of Cinderella and her knight.
“The kids like things that are a little bit classical and darker in sound,” Deen said. “So, this year’s show is chopped of Russian and Germanic operatic classical music, so they like it a lot.”
Competition season kick off
The competition season kicks off for the Jacket Regiment on Sept. 14 when the band will host the Bands Across the Savannah clinic exhibition, Deen said. Several local schools, including Midland Valley and Silver Bluff will be in attendance.
“It’s a very small event and then we’re hoping that night to have kind of a full blown competition where we hope some of the Richmond County and Columbia County bands will come over,” Deen said.
As for what he’s looking forward to with the competition season this year, Deen said it’s showing off the show, which he said is “very creative.”
The Jacket Regiment can be found performing during the North Augusta High School football games on Friday nights.
