Friday Night Lights at Virgil Schwarm Stadium — a celebrated tradition. It usually brings to mind a crisp fall evening, a packed crowd, and Big Blue Football. But another group adds the showmanship and energy that makes the atmosphere complete: Hamilton High’s Big Blue Marching Band and Color Guard.
From the first note echoing through the stands to the snap of flags and the thundering beat of the drums, their performance is unforgettable. It’s a feeling that words can’t quite capture — one that has to be experienced.
Riley Thrasher, a Senior member of the Color Guard, can wholeheartedly attest to the magic of FNL’s, saying, “Spinning under the football stadium lights is definitely one of my all time favorite feelings”. What a perspective that must be. To be part of something so magical that even as you’re in the midst of gifting that experience to those watching, you yourself are even being swept up in the moment and moved by the splendor of it all.
That commanding splendor doesn’t just happen though…as some may assume. Director Paul Dixon explained how “Band students seem to make these quality performances look easy and effortless…but it is definitely not.” It takes hard work, long hours, and conditioning. When asked, “What do you wish people knew about marching band?” Multiple students spoke to the fact that very few seem to fully grasp just how difficult Marching Band is. Clarinet player Dorrian Edwards said, “I wish my peers knew the work it takes to get a clean show.” A sentiment echoed by the group's assistant director, Pat Naylor. “Marching Band is hard!” to which he continued, by adding, “Competitive Marching Band and the skills required are much different than they were 15 years ago.” Gone are the days of simply marching and playing your instrument. Today’s Marching Band…requires not only musicality and showmanship, but athleticism and teamwork.
Whether the band and color guard are marching and playing in parades or at community events, performing at football games, or giving it their all during competition season…it can’t be overstated that to do what they do, takes immense stamina as well as hours upon hours of preparation. To be able to not only play an instrument well (some of which already require large amounts of air supply), while walking, running, and doing choreography, takes conditioning. And as Naylor said…Marching Band isn’t what it was 15 years ago, it’s evolved. Which is why, this summer, they decided to take their program to the next level.
In a game changing move, clinicians from Marching Health were brought in over the summer to teach and train the students. As the global leader in Marching Arts Health and Wellness, the knowledge they were able to impart was invaluable. Students not only worked on gaining endurance, but they were also provided valued tools to aid in injury prevention. They were also given guidance on making healthier lifestyle choices. Choices that will sustain them well beyond their marching band careers.
So what is it about Marching Band and Color Guard that keeps drawing students in? Is it possible that the old saying, “Nothing good ever came easy.” is true?
Percussionist Kari Klaber admitted she didn’t expect the challenge: “Being in Marching Band is fun… but it isn’t easy. It’s something you have to show up to and put effort into every single time.” For her, the payoff comes during performances: “The rush of nerves before I go on, followed by the calm that washes over me the second I start playing — it’s something you can’t get anywhere else.”
Trombone player Evelyn Fields agreed: “It surprised me how much brain power it actually takes to be able to march and play and count all at the same time.” Though demanding, she said, the rewards are unforgettable: “Standing on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium after performing at Finals for the first time, listening to the whole stadium clapping for us — it was the most amazing feeling.”
What an incredible life lesson the students involved in Big Blue’s Marching Band and Color Guard are learning. In life there will always be hard times, times when you have to put in a whole lot of work, work that not everyone will see. But you do it because, “nothing good ever came easy”.
In a rather telling moment, when asked about their favorite memories of being in band or color guard...the answers were littered with references to the hard times. Not that they loved them, but that they were grateful for them because the end result was something positive. That really speaks to their character.
That theme — nothing good ever came easy — runs throughout the students’ stories. Clarinet player Christopher Hurley recalled his favorite memory: “It started pouring rain at a practice. We put our instruments away and just sang our parts instead of playing. Even during bad conditions we still did the best we could to improve our show.” He added that what began as a way to get out of the house grew into a second home: “The band has almost become a second family for me. It’s connected me with so many wonderful people who’ve had such a positive impact on my life.”
It sounds like the Big Blue Marching Band and Color Guard are so much more than what you see on the surface. They’re a community of absolutely amazing young people who have not only strong work ethics, but leadership skills as well as strong character.
Over the years, Big Blue’s Marching Band has had some amazing chances to perform come their way. Such as performing at Disney World, a memory that Trumpet, French Horn and Flugelhorn player, Anthony Burton will cherish forever. Calling it his favorite memory and “A once in a lifetime experience.” that “he loved every second of”. The band has also been afforded the opportunity to play in Williamsburg Virginia, Honolulu (where they were able to honor the survivors of Pearl Harbor) as well as play in the Waikiki Holiday Parade. They’ve also become regulars at the Bands of America Grand Nationals Competition in Indianapolis.
Whether they’re bringing the magic on a Friday night under the lights, marching proudly in any number of parades, or showcasing all their hard work during competition season, it’s clear that Hamilton’s Marching Band and Color Guard are special. They’re as talented as they are welcoming, as hard working as they are fun, and they make their directors, families, school, and even city…immensley proud.