North Royalton High School Marching Band begins its spectacular musical season with enthusiasm, camaraderie, dedication, attention to detail and a competitive spirit that consistently brings home first-place, superior ratings in the entire State of Ohio from the Ohio Music Education Association since 1990. This is a musical team that won’t let each other down. Why do student musicians come back year after year to work in heat of the sun, the chill of the rain, and the freezing temperatures with snow? It’s fun.
Director of Bands, David Vitale, teaches music theory and is the marching band show designer; he has been recognized by the State of Ohio as “Master Teacher.” Vitale also has the talents of Christopher Burdick and Mike Nary, both music teachers at the middle and high school, to assist in this magnificent musical program. All three teachers are devoted to the band students. The band members give their all. Each instrument section has musical instruction, instrumental practice, field practice, more instruction, and rehearsal. These young musicians don’t sleep-walk, they sleep-march the complicated routines. That is what makes them a superior-rated band.
From high atop the NRHS roof, Dave Vitale a 1998 NR graduate, looks down on the same positions that he once filled. Everyone is in straight performance rows on an asphalt parking lot below. The lot is lined off exactly the same as the football field. At this height he can see when they are sleeping – missed a beat. He makes sure they are awake – traverse right, eight counts. He can see if they are bad or good – instruments up, eyes front. ‘So be good for Goodness Sake’ – strong fight song!
Marching in the band is often a way for students to discover their own leadership skills. Each section: trombones, flutes, saxes, percussion, and others, has a section leader who is responsible for their instrument unit. There are also two field commanders that direct the band while on the playing field. Everyone knows they are expected to ‘be on time, be in line, and be ready to play’. Everybody encourages everybody else and freshmen need not be embarrassed about messing up because everybody does it.
The field practices include the Royalaires and Royalettes, the flag, saber/ rifle and dance teams that bring front line color and panache to performances. Each Royalaire and Royalette practices their routines with just as much dedication as the band members from the tallest flute player to the smallest tuba tooter. And boy do they practice, everything counts. There are sixteen tubas and Vitale wants to hear them all. Standing in performance pose constitutes a smart line ready for action; heals together, feet at 450 angle, instruments at the ready. On the signal – It’s Showtime!
This year the band’s first performance will be in the annual Community Festival Parade on Sunday, August 20, at 3 p.m. The 2017 football season kicks off on August 25 when North Royalton hosts North Ridgeville. North Royalton is also hosting a band festival on Saturday, September 16. Come out and hear some great music. Come see a football game to see a fine team too.
You can help the band help Easter Seals this year with the soft goods collection during the festival weekend in the Board of Education parking lot. Band members will be collecting bedding, towels, blankets etc. You can also bring rag material which is sold for recycling. Don’t forget the annual Citrus Fruit Sale Blitz September 9 – 10. Treat the family to delectable citrus fruits delivered at the peak of the season. Come on, see the band, hear the band, support the band, you’ll love to hear them.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer