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Keeping the beat in the heat
By Peggy Blackburn
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The line in front of Ben Emfinger (center) is reflected in the bell of his sousaphone. Herald Photo/Peggy Blackburn
Despite temperatures hovering in the mid-90s, members of Wetumpka’s “Pride of the Tribe” marching band spent many hours on the practice field this week learning formations and rehearsing the music for the 2008 halftime show. And the training under first-year band director Jason Warnix wasn’t just an 8-to-5 job.
Band members practiced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but were dismissed early on Wednesday and Friday.
“It’s gone well,” said Warnix. “We’ve been running from set to set and getting reps in. We started with the marching, then put the music with the drill.”
This year’s halftime performance will be an “Earth, Wind and Fire” show, Warnix said. The opener will be a medley, followed by “Fantasy,” and the closer will be “In the Stone.”
“I think the overall attitude is one of real enthusiasm,” said Warnix. “We have a lot of different things going on that we’re all excited about. And the parents have really pitched in to help during camp, providing water and helping to keep us going.”
While this was the first week that the full band practiced together, various groups had already gotten some rehearsal time. Over the previous two weeks, Warnix conducted rookie, percussion, color guard and majorette camps.
“We’ve had some alumni instructors help us out with all of it,” he said.
New drum major Aaron Wine, who will be a junior this year, said he has plenty to be happy about.
“I’m extremely excited to be the drum major,” he said. “And I’m also excited about the new opportunities we’re going to have with Mr. Warnix here.
“We’ve already talked about going to different places and more competitions that will be really good for us,” Wine continued. “He’s amazing, and I think he brings a lot of added potential to our band program. We’re all glad to have him here.”
Warnix said the camp was a good starting place for the band year.
“I’m really pleased with where we’re at, and I definitely think we’re improving and getting better,” he said.
Warnix said he appreciates the backing of students and parents, and is also grateful for the help of the board of education and school principal Richard Dennis.
“The administration has been very supportive and helped us refresh our band room,” he said. “And Mr. Dennis is just outstanding.”
