BEMIDJI — حلحلآ» may be out, but the Bemidji High حلحلآ» marching band is still in session.
Coordinating their steps, waving flags in unison and playing their instruments with technical skill, students and directors alike have continued to frequent school grounds in preparation for the band’s "Meet the Band" event set for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at BHS.
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The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the marching band to offset costs associated with competition season, namely travel expenses.
For a $20 admission fee, attendees will be treated to a pulled pork dinner followed by performances and awards for senior members.
Initial musical preparation began in March with steps being fully fleshed out once the last day of school concluded.
“We have rehearsals a couple times a week where we work mostly on music, but then do a little bit of footwork and some marching technique with whoever can make it — working around spring sports,†Director Derek Wickum said. “Our season officially starts the first day after school gets out.â€
With "Meet the Band" quickly approaching, Wickum commended the work of the students as well as additional staff for their assistance throughout the process.
“I can’t do this by myself. It’s just too much,†Wickum said. “There are too many moving pieces to be able to take control of all of it.â€
Wickum added that student membership is also on the rise, nearly matching pre-pandemic numbers.
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“We’ve got numbers in the 70s now, and that’s really good,†he said. “Pre-COVID, we were in the 80s or 90s, so we’re almost there.â€
Regardless of numbers, the opportunity to showcase each member at "Meet the Band" can’t come too soon for Wickum.
“I’m just excited for everybody to see the show that the kids will put on. They’re doing such a great job with it,†Wickum left off. “It’s a really fun event and it’s going to be a great show.â€
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