After claiming the number one title in the Caruthers Fair Parade, Sept. 27, the marching band prepare to add another title to their legacy at the Selma Fair parade. Without the junior high band members to strengthen the band, the high school will perform a more difficult march in a larger division.

The parade will take place in downtown Selma at 9 a.m., Oct. 25, an earlier time than the band’s previous experience in Selma. Despite the sooner deadline, Jimmy Loomis, band director, feels that several factors might work against the band.

“I think that the band might be at a disadvantage; first of all, we have to play at the football game the night before,” Loomis said. “Our other disadvantage is that we have to play earlier in the morning. It’s more brisk and it is usually harder to play in the cold.”

Though some may think that older students are better prepared than beginners, some students look on the parade with excitement rather than apprehension. Freshman Hee Na Kim, a foreign exchange student and flute player, looks forward to the Selma Parade.

“I don’t think that it will be hard,” Kim said. “I’ve done a parade before, and I’m always fresh in the morning, so it’ll be okay.”

After coming home with first place from Caruthers, Loomis raised expectations for the band, hoping to see even more improvement and dedication.

“I really want the students to do their best,” Loomis said. “I want the band to start with their own standards and try to live up to them.”

While the band continues to practice for their final parades, Loomis has also focused on concert band. For the first time, a Friends of the Band Concert with a Veterans Day theme will take place in Ground Zero at 6 p.m., Oct. 27.

“Concerts are held indoors, while parades are held outside; parades also take more dedication to march and play,” Loomis said. “Concerts have more diverse songs, which can be very majestic; parades have quick upbeat songs.”

Salute to America, this year’s FOTB theme, gives thanks for all those who have helped America be free by showcasing popular patriotic theme songs such as “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Abide With Me.”

“I want the kids to appreciate the veterans and their sacrifices for this country,” Loomis said. “So our music will support the cause.”

To practice for the concert, Loomis often records the band so students can later hear their triumphs and mistakes. Nick Avery, ’12, appreciates this learning method.

“At school, Loomis records us so that we know how we sound,” Avery said. “It really helps knowing how good or bad we sound so that we can improve in areas where Loomis believes we are not giving 100 percent.”

As the band members prepare for the junior varsity football game, Oct. 24, as well as the Selma parade and FOTB concert, Loomis hopes they balance their schedules and practice time. Sophomore Sydney Carlson, a member of both marching and jazz band, tries to fit at least 15-30 minutes of rehearsal time per day. Though she looks forward to both the concert and parade, she finds difficulties juggling practices.

“One complication is that we have a parade on Saturday as well,” Carlson said. “Its stressful to balance both a parade and a concert.”

The cost for the FOTB concert is $5 and the band will also coordinate a silent dessert auction. Band member families are asked to bring pies, brownies or ice cream to auction.

For more information, visit Daniel Hopper’s Sept. 2 article, Band increases performances, expectations.