Marching Mountain Lions Ready for Action

To say that Concord University’s football team had one of its best seasons last year would be quite the understatement. In the 2014 season, they became the Regional Champions as well as an NCAA Division II Semifinalist. Hopes are high that the current football season will bring great things. 

For every great sports team however, one would like to have an equally excellent band that will bring hype and excitement to the action. Concord University’s Marching Band is willing and able to take on this responsibility, though there was initially some concern that too much is being asked of them. 

“Our band is a small group this year,” said Dr. David Ball, Assistant Professor of Music, “I am in charge of the band, and as such there are two things that are always on my mind. First, I am always concerned about the mental and physical health of our members, and second, I always want to deliver a solid, polished, quality and entertaining product that we possibly can. Because of this, planning has to begin early, not only the music, but also the drilling, instrument maintenance, and so on.”

Dr. Ball explained the process on how the band this year came to be formed despite some initial worries over the size. 

“At the beginning of last summer, I wanted to touch base with the administration about the band and the upcoming season, and my concern was that our group, at the outset, was very small. Many people do not realize this, but being in a marching band is more physically taxing than it appears. Since you have to march in time, while blowing on an instrument, it can really take a lot out of a person. At the start of the summer, we had 25 people in the band total. Ideally, with a school the size of Concord, we would have 100 at least. I was worried for my players’ health, that I would be pushing them too hard. There is nothing wrong with a small band, but with a band that size, if even one person is incapable of playing their instrument for whatever reason, it will be noticed, and the entire band will suffer for it. Since the games will be televised, I want to be sure that we have a good band. During those early planning stages, we didn’t know if we had the numbers to have a group that would be able to play without putting their health at risk, so we looked at other options for half-time show ideas.” 

He went on to explain that the band had to work hard to prove that they had what it took to overcome their small size and show that they would be able to make the school proud.  

“I told the band that we need to demonstrate what we can do, because if we don’t care about how we play, then who will? There may have been some confusion that may have led people to believe that those in charge don’t want us to play. Let me be perfectly clear: the administration wants us to play. I think the confusion sprang from me worrying about the welfare of the band,” said Ball. 

It would seem that not only do the administration want them to play, but the band themselves are excited about the prospect of being seen on television. 

“We're small but we're fine. Like, we still sound louder than we are numbered," said band member Sabrina Marks. 

“I love being a marching Mountain Lion!” said Katie Collins, another member. “We are fewer in number this year, but I feel lucky to have the opportunity to march alongside every member of the band. Each student, along with Dr. Ball, works extremely hard, both in group rehearsal and on their own time. We look and sound fantastic this year. The music we are performing is challenging and high-energy, which suits our ensemble perfectly. We have been preparing since before classes began and we get a little better each time we meet. To me, 2 to 3:15 every Monday through Thursday isn't just another class; it is a chance to see my friends, to achieve goals, and to make music. I am full of hope that the arts programs here at Concord will continue to attract dedicated and talented students who will grow as much as I have over the past four years.”

According to Dr. Ball, the band currently has 33 members, and new people can slowly be incorporated into it yet. It is not too late to sign up. 

“It is a class, not a club,” he was quick to remind, “but you can still get in with an academic exception. I had hoped for 40 members, but I take the health of my players seriously, and I want it to be fun and entertaining for everyone.” 

Those interested in joining or those that have any questions or comments are advised to contact Dr. Ball via his email balld@concord.edu, or call 304-384-6090.