A Crazy Little Thing Called the Auxiliary Section

Flutes, clarinets, and trumpets aren’t all that’s necessary to make an impact on the campus marching band. Last Thursday afternoon, September 3, the Concord Marching Band’s auxiliary members were excitedly taking measurements for incoming uniforms. With only four members, it isn’t hard to imagine the group keeping busy with the upcoming football season. Measurements, however, were only one of their many preparations for their decidedly royal television debut on the campus football field, upcoming on September 12 at noon.

The auxiliary members of the band, though made up of a meager five members, include the campus’s color guard and baton twirlers. These visual aspects of a marching band often team up to create a spectacle that is sure to please any watchers during a home game halftime. This year, several of Concord’s football games are to be recorded and televised. This notion, while exciting for all of the campus, sets the band abuzz with determination to create a show that will rock watchers both live and in the comfort of their homes.

“We perform at all of Concord’s home games,” says Amanda Pemberton on behalf of the color guard, “this one just happens to be a bigger deal with a bigger audience. We’ve been buckled down, and are dedicated to making sure we’re ready for the challenge.” Over the past weeks, the band has been actively practicing both Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Little Thing Called Love, creating a Queen-themed half-time show. “Dr. Ball was the one to decide on our set list, collaborating with our drill-writer Preston Bennett, but we all enjoy it.” Pemberton adds.

In previous years, the band has been known to maintain one routine through several showings. Pemberton mentions that this year, Freddy Mercury may only be the star of the halftime show for a couple of games before the performance is mixed and mingled all over again.

Joining the Concord Marching Band proves to be quite the commitment for everyone involved. Though a semester of Band only provides one credit hour, Pemberton estimates that the auxiliary section of the band dedicates at least eight hours per week to practice and groundwork for their live routines. A reasonable estimation, added between four hours weekly in the class itself, two hour sectional practices, and any independent work done.

That count doesn’t include the extra two hours before each game, or even the performance itself. Pemberton laughs at the realization, “On those weeks, I’d guess that we all spend up to 13 hours working on the band. It can be much more extensive than you’d think, especially considering how small our numbers are. We’re all really excited when it comes down to it, and ready to take on the challenge.”

Practicing with the color guard is Sarah White, a baton twirler for the band, “While a baton twirler is not a part of color guard itself,” she says, “if the color guard provides, well, color, my position revolves around adding extra excitement to the visual aspect of a show.”

Choreographing the Queen show, White admits, is much like choreographing anything else between the auxiliary members of the band. “We all came from unique backgrounds and different levels of experience, so a lot of the times we try moves until something fits.” This particular experience – perhaps in light of its televised glory – is sure to be a treat for any spectators, “The color guard will be throwing show rifles, among other exciting things. I'll even be picking up a flag for an eight-count or two,” White admits, “This is very unusual because I truly like the split between factions, the separation and added elements that it can give us.”

The preparation and excitement is universal throughout the dedicated students involved. Between the exciting visual developments unfolding in the auxiliary department of the band, the musical prowess of the Concord’s band, and the diligent football team gearing up for battle, this season is sure to be a thrilling experience for all of the senses.