Copyright Lewiston Morning Tribune
MOSCOW — High schools from around the region performed at the University of Idaho’s Kibbie Dome for a bittersweet ending to the marching band season. Bands of America brought out 14 marching bands from across the Pacific Northwest for the Idaho Regional Championship. The event is one of several competitions that Bands of America, part of the nonprofit educational organization Music for All, hosts across the nation. Spencer Martin, director of the Vandal Marching Band, said this is the second year UI has hosted the regional championship. Of the visiting schools, Lewiston and Clarkston had the shortest drive to make. Band directors Brendan Burns at Lewiston and Alex Lardie at Clarkston both noted that, while bittersweet, it’s rewarding to see their students’ hard work pay off at the last competition of the year. Clarkston High School drum majors Shayla Martin and Chaz Nollette said for the past three months they’ve been out on the field for several hours a week practicing. “I think there’s a lot of dedication,” Martin, a senior, said. “It really does require a lot of effort to be able to put a show on the field.” Nollette, a senior, said that a good band takes everyone working together. In contrast to other extracurricular pursuits, he added that marching band is one where there is no “weak link” on the team. Martin said everyone wants each other to do their best, which influences the culture of uplifting people. “You don’t have to necessarily be the most athletic, or the smartest or all these things to participate in band,” she said. “And I think it really opens the door for anyone to be able to participate.” Being part of a band and being able to play music means the world to students like Lewiston High School freshman Emma Marzolf. “Band is a really big part of my life,” Marzolf said. “If I could choose, I would do marching band every day of my life.” Watching students grow as musicians, and sharing a love for music in general, is the reason Burns said he is an educator. “That’s why I’m here,” he said. “I’m doing this because I love music and I love watching the kids get it.” Lardie, who is also Lincoln Middle School’s music teacher, said it’s satisfying watching students develop from first learning how to hold an instrument to making music. Both said they’d love to see their students continue playing beyond high school “It’s something that I always try to push on my kids,” Burns said. “That you don’t have to be the best player, you just have to have a passion to be a part of a band.” The Vandals’ largest marching band in university history took the field for a special performance Saturday night. Martin said the Vandal Marching Band’s numbers have exploded in the past few years, with over 270 members. “We are extremely honored to perform an exhibition show this weekend,” Martin said. “And hope it helps encourage the visiting band students to keep playing after high school.” The competition’s results were not provided at press time. Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com
