High school is a time to make memories and for the nearly 300 students enrolled in the North Royalton High School band program, lifelong memories are being made just about every minute.
The excitement, enthusiasm and toe-tapping tunes were in the air on an early August day as students gathered for their sixth day of summer band camp. Camp isn’t for the meek – students are practicing outdoors rain or shine (unless there’s thunder/lightning) for up to eight hours a day learning and practicing marching fundamentals, formations, drills, parade routes and programs. Members of the Royalette Dance Team and Royalaire Color Guard have been at it even longer, rehearsing since early summer to perfect their precise movements, stage presence and fancy foot- and arm-work. The long hours, commitment and dedication all culminate beneath the weekly Friday-night stadium lights and upcoming contest band season. This fall’s football show features a yester-year mix of Elvis Presley tunes, Earth, Wind & Fire, and the present-day sounds of singer/songwriters like Cardi B and The Jonas Brothers.
“Marching band is such a great atmosphere,” said senior Field Commander Kyle Cmich. “All around, you’re learning so many phenomenal life skills like being on time, having commitment, time management and work ethic. Plus, it’s a great way to get ready for the new school year because you build such a huge network during camp.”
As the student leaders of the marching band, Cmich and fellow senior Adam Swab are doing everything from Excel data entry to conducting camp rehearsals to serving as the liaison middlemen to Director of Bands David Vitale and Assistant Band Directors Chris Burdick and Mike Nary.
The public can catch a glimpse of the Marching Band and Marching Band Front in the August 25 Community Festival Parade, which departs Saint Albert’s at 3 p.m. A special “Parent Preview Night,” which is open to the public, will be held August 23 at the stadium. And on September 14, several bands from across the area will give a free performance during the “Festival of Bands” also held at the high school stadium.
For incoming freshman Marija Djordjevic, who has been playing the clarinet since fifth grade, summer band camp brings a whole mix of emotions from adrenaline to excitement to nervousness.
“We’ve been working on our marching basics and practicing with our different sections,” she said. “It’s all really exciting and fun and all sorts of emotions as we get ready for the season.”
Incoming junior and Band Council Vice President Jake Dezutti plays the sax. He appreciates the comradery that comes along with being in band. Summer band camp is especially helpful for incoming freshmen who are new to the high school and have the chance to get familiar with the building and make a large group of friends before classes begin.
“In band, we do a lot of fun things together, like there’s a saxophone taco night and we have section parties,” Dezutti said. “Band is a really great way to connect with other kids. You make so many friends and it’s also really neat to be introduced to and get to know all the upper-classmen. I really miss everyone who just graduated. You make bonds with people. It’s everything.”
For Royalaires Madi Farrell and Abby Rowlett, both incoming seniors, the upcoming school year and marching season brings both nostalgia and tension, as both serve as team captains and want to make their final year perfect.
“We’ve been practicing since June. It’s an amazing performance sport,” Rowlett said. “This year there’s extra pressure because we’re in charge of the team and to have that kind of authority and be a voice for the whole team is really an incredible thing.”
This year’s band enrollment is the largest in the high school’s history, Swab said.
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer