Fresh faces in the marching band

Here at Burton, Ms. Butler is facing a challenging year as band director.  In 2015, a large number of senior band members graduated, leaving the band smaller than usual. Ten talented band members graduated.  Due to this loss of experienced members, Ms. Butler had to bring seventh grade band members in from Norton Middle School to fill in the slots. Thus, Burton's 2016 marching band, as a whole, has less experience than the band Burton showcased last year.

Nonetheless, Ms. Butler thinks that after completing band camp this summer, they are ready for the pressure of this upcoming season. Some of the new members commented on the challenges they faced at band camp pointing out that it was extremely hard, due to a lack of experience as well as the scorching heat. Olivia O., a two year member, said "There was a lot of practice this year, a bit more than what we had last year, but I believe all of it will pay off in the long run."

Friday, August 26, 2016, marked the beginning of the high school marching band season. Sierra K., a four year veteran and a second year section leader, said "I expected for all of the new member to be nervous for their first performance where there was such a big crowd of the game. They all ended up doing just fine, and it looks like it is going to be a good season with them."

Ms. Butler  was also pleased with the results of the first show, and continues to think it will be a successful season. When talking about the new members, Butler commented that they were "significantly better at this point than I thought it would have been, they are adapting to the music and the marching as if they were seniors themselves." Even though it is still the beginning of the season, the band has already been practicing for their approaching competitions, yet the first competition is not until October 1st, 2016. Ms. Butler said "We are getting ready for the competitions in a big way. We are rehearsing our music, cleaning up the loose ends, and we are working on a winning strategy." Ms. Butler, Olivia O., and Sierra K. all think that the band will do better this year than last year for the line up of competitions for the season ahead.

Ms. Butler said "If you are thinking about joining marching band, this is an awesome time to join. If you have played an instrument in the past, come on down to the band room and we will give you a flip folder to get started. If you still want to join but can not play an instrument, you can also join the equipment team if you are a guy, or the color guard if you are a girl." Come on out to a football game or to a band competition to show school spirit for the John I. Burton marching band!

Written by Austin Q.