In the marching band world, halftime is game time. The “Pride” marching band has to combat the mid-game monotony.
With a spicy show that promises to raise the energy on the field, the focus of halftime should be back on the performance and less on the peanuts.
Included in the selections that will be perfected over the next few months are Spanish Fantasy by Chic Corea, Copland’s Hear Ye, and Ginastera’s Danza Final.
Along with the new sound of the band, the Pride will also be trying out a new venue in the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas. On Oct. 18, Lions will be hosting East Central University in a game that has already been talked up on ESPN radio.
There are two band directors new to Texas A & M University-Commerce and a color guard instructor.
Interim Associate Director of Bands Scott Atchison, will be the main marching instructor. Having just finished his doctorate at the University of Washington in Seattle, Atchison’s background is complete within the drum corps circuit (D.C.I.). He marched for the first time in college, and decided he loved it enough to turn it into a career.
Atchison played, conducted, and was a part of the marching staff for the Blue Devils, and currently teaches for the Troopers.
As far as the show goes Atchison said the biggest priorities are to look great, sound great, and be loud.
Director of Instrumental Activities falls to Phillip L. Clements, the Wind Ensemble director.
In 2001 his band was invited as the exhibition group for Band of America Grand Nationals, and B.O.A. has inquired about having the Pride marching band as an exhibition band in the future.
When rookies join the band Clements has high expectations.
“I would ask that they make a commitment to be great about the university and the music” Clements said.
Dawson Spicer,an alumni, has come back to teach and add stunning visuals to the field.
Football games aren’t the only place fans can check out the band. On the schedule this year are exhibition performances in both Region 3 and 4 UIL Marching Contests. The Desoto Marching Festival will offer a chance to show off and showcase the band for potential high school recruits.
With so many performances up on the calendar right away, the band members utilize the week before school in what is more commonly known as “one time at Band Camp.”
A regular day of camp includes about four to five hours of marching and an equal amount of music rehearsal. It’s tough to find a group more dedicated to the outcome of a performance.
The first chance to see the Pride band on the field will be at the football game on September 6th. Be a part of the “roaring” crowd at the first home game versus Angelo State, and watch out for the band’s fresh Spanish flair.