By Kennedy Werner
With unity and a hard work ethic, the Marching Band of Walled Lake Central has completed the 2013 season ranked 26th in the country and 5th in their class (AAA). Winning every local competition they partook in, taking second place in the Bands of America Toledo Regional, winning the State Championships (MCBA) for the third time in four years, and performing at the Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show for the Detroit Lions; the band and their head instructor, David Rogers, truly practiced diligently to accomplish such awards.
“I am most proud of the way the kids came together as a team,” said Rogers, “[The] kids prioritized … and worked tirelessly to earn the titles we won this season.”
Being the first competition of the year, the Bands of America Toledo Regional had students’ nerves running on high. Taking place on September 28, the regional competition brought together some of the best bands from all over Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Virginia. Central’s Marching Band was exceptionally proud that they beat former national champions, Centerville, OH and Plymouth, MI.
“It was incredible to place second at the regional,” said sophomore percussionist Isabel Moran, “It was very exciting and [was the start] of a great season and fun for everyone.”
Then on November 2 at Ford Field, the State Championships crowned Central’s Marching Band the victors. In the last four years, Central has taken the victory home three times.
“States has always been an unbelievable experience,” said senior Alto Sax player Riley Pernick, “The atmosphere at Ford Field is incredible and performing in front of such a large crowd is just truly a wonderful feeling.”
In Indianapolis IN, the Marching Band partook in the highly competitive Bands of America Grand Nationals. The event took place at Lucas Oil Stadium from November 14 until 17. The band made it past the preliminary round and reached the semi-finals with their show, Conquest. They finished 5th in class AAA and 26th out of the 91 bands there.
“Our performance at the semi-finals was definitely our best of the year. That’s all you can ask for. They behaved exceptionally well too,” said Rogers, in a press release.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, football fans raved as they watched singer/songwriter Tony Lucca perform with the State Champions, WLC’s Marching Band, during halftime. As requested by the Detroit Lions, the band performed alongside with Central’s cheer and pom-pom teams.
“When Mr. Rogers told us that we were going to do the halftime show, I was basically speechless,” said Pernick, “We do perform at Ford Field for States but this time was special.”
As for what’s happening in the band room now? Concerts and the winter teams that are currently competing are the main focus. Marching Band’s 2014 season does not officially begin until June 16.
“We have huge shoes to fill from this graduating class,” stated Rogers, “If the returning members want to build on this success then they will use this time prior to the season to improve their craft.”
The Call 