Band sets sail for another successful season
The Franklin Regional Band has accomplished a lot throughout the past few years, including multiple invitations to the Rose Bowl Parade at Pasadena, CA in 2012 and 2016, as well as multiple invitations to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at Times Square in 2003 and 2009 according to band director Kevin Pollock.
“Very few bands can say they've earned invitations to both of those parades, so having been invited to return to both is a testament to the caliber of our students' performances,” said Pollock.
The band is also known for their elaborate halftime shows, according to senior Silks member Julia Bahney.
“[To prepare a halftime show], we look for music and visual ideas that will be fun for both the audience and the performers,” said Pollock. “We tie everything into a theme, and we consider ways to feature individuals or sections of the band during the course of the show. There are many, many hours of planning.”
This year, the theme of the halftime show is “Songs in the Key of the Sea,” according to senior snare drum player Jason Leavy.
Pollock prepares the halftime show, starting as soon as the previous band season ends, according to Leavy.
“[Pollock] puts in a lot of work, and he always takes [the halftime show] in the right direction,” said Leavy.
Pollock has been working at the high school for 30 years, originally pursuing a career as a band director due to his own positive experiences in a high school band.
This year, the band contains 201 students, according to Pollock, and they all have a specific task and belong to a specific section of the band.
“It’s really cool to be part of a bigger group and have hours of work turn into an amazing performance,” said senior clarinet player Abbey DiGregorio.
Lower Brass is a “mixed group of instruments that play the important lower notes to carry the band and support the baseline of the music,” said senior baritone player Meredith Sites.
The section consists of french horn, mellophone, tenor saxophone, trombones, baritones, and tubas, according to Sites.
“It’s very satisfying to be able to play such loud notes,” said Sites.
The hard work of the Lower Brass section helps to bring the band to success. “We work to keep the morale high even when we are all tired of marching,” said Sites. “If band wasn’t fun, nobody would do it!”
“[The woodwind section] carries the melodies and plays all the fast moving notes,” said senior clarinet player Abbey DiGregorio.
The woodwinds section consists of flutes, clarinets, and saxophones, and works hard to ensure the success of the band.
“I like the distinctly different sound that woodwinds have,” said DiGregorio. “We have to work together to learn our music and make sure the band has a big sound.”
Drumline is the percussion section of the band, and consists of base drum, snare drum, cymbals, tenors, and mallet instruments.
“[My favorite part of Drumline is] the people,” said senior snare drum player Leavy. “They’re fun to hang out with, and they all have great personalities.”
Drumline’s willingness to learn from their mistakes and help each other get the music right makes the section successful, according to Leavy.
“It’s lots of hard work,” said Leavy. “We basically play the measures of each [piece of] music over and over until we get it right.”
The Silks are a group of dancers who twirl bright, colorful flags in the back of the band, according to senior Silks member Julia Bahney.
“[My favorite part is] getting to work with a great group of girls,” said Bahney. “They’re like a second family.”
To ensure their success, the Silks practice often and help each other with the counts and overall routine, which is choreographed by Natalie Bujakowsiki.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time as a member of Silks,” said Bahney. “It’s definitely my favorite high school memory.”
The Majorettes are a part of the band front, according to senior Majorette Sam Robinson.
“We twirl [batons] and give the band a more visual aspect,” said Robinson.
The Majorettes ensure their success by practicing often and making the necessary corrections to their team.
“My favorite part [of Majorettes) is getting to go out every Friday and perform,” said Robinson. “Not many people know what twirling is, so it's nice to go out and do something that is new to people.”
The Pantherettes are the dance team of the band, according to sophomore Pantherette Abbie Krefta.
“It requires lots of commitment and countless hours of practice but it's worth it!” said Krefta.
That hard work has lead to a feeling of comradery between the dancers.
“My favorite part about being a Pantherette is just how much fun we have together,” said Krefta. “No matter how rough practices or performances can get I know we can always put a smile on each others’ faces.”
Drum Majors conduct the band during performances and ensure that they stay together, according to junior Drum Major Ashley Li.
When not performing, Drum Majors make sure rehearsals run smoothly, and work to make sure the band stays positive.
Li is joined by two other drum majors: senior Jacob Wei and junior Mark DeCesare.
“My favorite part of being a drum major is that the three of us have become such good friends,” said Li. “We’ve shared a lot of crazy and fun times together, and I know that I can count on them for anything, band-related or other.”
“[Honor Guard] help construct the props and use them during the halftime show,” said senior Honor Guard member Kiera O’Neil. “We also help the band front with their equipment during the show and carry the banner and flags during parades.”
Honor Guard contributes to the band’s success by practicing until they know their routine perfectly.
“We know how to be serious and make the band look good while still having fun,” said O’Neil.
