Band honors fallen soldiers

Every year, as the school year comes to an end, the band students await to find out the next year’s marching season’s theme. This year the students will be performing a nationalistic show.

“Our theme is ‘Tribute to the Soldier’. It’s patriotic, but also kind of a salute to the armed forces,” said band director Andy Kroesen.

The band show depicts different parts in a soldier’s life and his or her duty to the country. The first part of the show is ‘sending the soldier off to war’ where the band musicians portray the fear and excitement of traveling to a foreign land to fight enemies. The second part is ‘the battle’ where band members act out a battle scene. The third part is to the tune of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” which is a tribute to the soldiers who have given their lives for their country. The ending is a patriotic closing with the song, “America the Beautiful”.

However, it was by accident that Kroesen chose the theme. It was not originally planned to be a dedication to 911 victims.

“I’d like to say ‘Oh it’s the 10th anniversary of 911’, but it was a coincidence,” said Kroesen.

Kroesen explained that they just stumbled upon a patriotic theme and it happened to work out perfectly for the anniversary.

Senior band members Holly Reynolds and Emily Tracy feel as though this show is sure to make people think about the work our soldiers are doing overseas.

“It makes you think about all that’s been lost and gained. You appreciate it,” said Reynolds.

Tracy thinks that this year’s theme will be a hit.

“Oh my gosh, I love it! It’s so interesting and it coincides with 911. It’s fun to play,” said Tracy.
The band’s first competition is September 24 at Webb City. Kroesen feels that they will be successful.
“I think we have the potential of doing very well this year,” said Kroesen.
Reynolds thinks the band can pull it together and be successful.
“If we can get our head in the game and [practice] really hard, then I think we can pull out first places left and right,” said Reynolds.
The Royal Regiment’s other competitions are October 1 in Blue Springs and October 22 at Odessa. They also perform at all home football games.