Bands’ Pride Is Precision - Not Being A Step Ahead High School Musicians Work Hard To Get Their Marching Orders Right

People usually hear their music as background noise at halftime when heading out for hot dogs and popcorn, or while waiting for the next float to come along in a summertime parade.

But on Saturday, high school bands marched alone in the spotlight.

At least 2,000 students gathered at Joe Albi Stadium for the 1997 Lilac Festival Marching Band Championships. For most of the bands, it was their once-a-year chance to shine.

“The kids can perform here rather than play second-string to sports,” said Dave Jewett, Rogers High School’s band director. “They’re excited. This means a lot to them.”

His 85-member band was one of about 20 from the Northwest to compete in the annual event.

With steady, military steps, they walked onto the field in purple and white uniforms - heads up, shoulders back, holding their instruments as though they were sacred objects.

The musicians covered the field: they sidestepped, walked backward, moved quickly at strange angles - all this while playing clarinet, drums and other instruments.

From the stands, their bodies formed parallelograms, circles and rapidly moving curves.

“It was really a blast,” said David Demers, a freshman at Rogers who plays percussion for the band.

“You get nervous at first, but it’s a lot of fun.”

Like most bands, the one at Rogers practices five to 10 hours a week.

It also nearly doubled its size this past year from 50 to 85 members.

To get their routines down, students have to memorize their music, as well as the moves.

Players have to pay attention to keep in sync, said Sarah Geile, a Rogers High School sophomore. An extra step can spoil an entire line because band members watch the person next to them.

Standards are tough for these groups, said Bill McKinney, a spokesman for the Lilac Festival.

Judges from all over the country came this year to decide which team will go home with the 4-foot-tall trophy.

“This is a big deal, as far as bands are concerned,” McKinney said.

“It’s an opportunity for them to show their stuff.”

As students entertained the crowds with songs that included Pink Floyd’s “Money” and selections from “Grease,” parents hunched behind their video cameras and cheered.

“They’ve come a long way,” said Loralee Walter, whose son, Chris, plays drums for Rogers.

“I’m proud of them. They’re doing something constructive instead of just sitting around.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: BAND WINNERS Scores are based on a 100-point scale.

Sweepstakes Award: Central Valley, 83.8

Open Division: 1. Ferris, 82.2 2. Centennial (Boise), 80.5 3. Kennewick, 79.55 4. Bozeman, 77.9 5. Kamiakin (Kennewick), 75.0 6. Wenatchee, 73.2 7. Mead, 72.4 8. Ferndale, 68.1

Class A Division: 1. Clarkston, 69.1 2. Cheney, 65.6 3. West Valley, 61.5

Caption Awards: Best Percussion: Ferris Best Marching: Central Valley Best Music: Central Valley Best Drum Major: Central Valley Best auxiliary: Centennial Best Effect: Ferris

Spirit of the Festival Award: Bozeman