Band

Ashtyn VanderSluis

10/16/11

Our Wayne band is, in my opinion, our most successful and important extracurricular.  It’s pretty much a tradition for our school, especially Oktoberfest.  In the beginning weeks of school until October 1^st, the band students work hard every day practicing their street march and working their turns and lines on the streets of Corydon. Uniforms are another big deal in band. It is really important not to stain them and it’s also important to fold the pants the right way or they’ll make an untidy crease that stands out. The reason why it’s a big deal to look so neat and tidy is because of inspection for Oktoberfest. Every year before we march in the parade the band goes through an inspection to see if our diagonals are straight and in line.  The judges also check our instruments to see if they are clean and in tune and then they look at our uniforms.

For 17 years Wayne has succeeded at winning Oktoberfest in marching. It’s something the whole town is proud of and it is a big accomplishment. I don’t have any doubts that we will win Oktoberfest next year but the thing that I am concerned about is how many new members we will be getting next year? And will we have enough of the right instruments? Older band members need to encourage the younger band members to stay in band and encourage young students to join. I think that if students continue to practice and work hard and stay in band, we’ll keep our tradition of winning Oktoberfest.