The FHS Marching Band Presents: Written in the Stars!
Summer has come and gone, and now autumn has come to take its place. The changing of the seasons bring with them various seasonal tropes: Pumpkin Spice, flannel fashion, and of course: the intensity of marching band competitions. The marching band has been practicing and preparing for their competition season since the beginning of August, and what a season it has been. The band has already had their first competition performance at Mukwonago High School, where they made history by earning the highest score for any of their past opening weeks of competition. The Franklin Marching Band is in their fifth year of competing at the AAAA level of competition, and this season is poised to be their most successful yet. In the past two weeks alone, the band has had three rehearsals outside of class, not mention the work they put in during their ensemble’s class as well as weekly Gold Block rehearsals as well. They are all hardworking and dedicating so much time into these performances, and will continue to work hard throughout the rest of the season and in the coming seasons as well.
I recently got the chance to speak with Mrs. Umhoefer, the Band’s director, about the state of the marching band and how this year’s season compares to past seasons.
What is the theme of this year’s marching show?
“The 2018 marching show is ‘Written in the Stars,’ and it’s a really unique process and composition for us because we had it commissioned specifically for our school. We are working with an arranger named Alex Thode from the Milwaukee area, and he wrote this music specifically for our band. The concept itself is all things celestial and related to the Aurora Borealis and stars. The different components are When You Wish Upon a Star, our big impact opener. Then we have a contrast with a song called Hand of Fate: Part Two, from the movie signs, it’s more so just to change the character. The second movement is a medley of Moonlight Sonata, Clair de Lune, and a piece called Lux Aurumque, by Eric Whitacre, which means ‘Light and Gold.’ Then we close with a piece called Aurora Awakes, so all things looking up towards the sky.”
How has the competition season gone so far?
“We’ve had a fantastic start. At the Mukwonago Competition on September 15th, we took first in the AAAA division, we got our highest ever opening weekend score, and we took second overall in music and second overall in visual performance right behind the former state champions, so students are riding high after the opening weekend. We had a great homecoming week, and now we’re back into the competition season. We have three more shows at Greendale, Milton and State, and with how we’re looking, I think this could be our best season yet.”
Where and when is the next competition?
“Come join us this coming Saturday, September 29th! Our quote/unquote ‘home show’ is the closest show that we have. It is going to be at Greendale High School, we would love to have you join us in the stands! It’s a great evening, featuring 15+ marching bands from around the area, and it’s our third from last show.”
What can the rest of FHS do to support the marching band?
“A number of things. We love and appreciate so much the we’re a part of the fabric of FHS, and part of the culture. Whether it be at football games, appreciating our performance at halftime, listening attentively, cheering at the big moments that really move you, we’d love to have that support, to really be a part of that game day experience. Students are encouraged and welcome to join us at the ‘home show’ at Greendale on Saturday [September 29th] if they are able, just a few short miles North of where we are. And really just support and cheer on students throughout the competition season. We wrap up on October 13th, so wish your friends luck each weekend as we have a competition, And cheer us on as we have our best season yet!”
The marching band’s next performance will be at the Greenfield Marching Competition on Saturday, September 29th, at Greenfield High School. Come join the band for a night of music and fun and to help support your friends and fellow classmates as they march their hearts out on the field.
For further information about the marching band as well as many other school activities, look no further than the Saber Slate!