ENSEMBLE. The SHS bands will be performing again on March 2 for the annual Pancake Day to raise funds for the Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters, and on May 1 for their spring concert. “I love how my trumpet is fairly easy to play on the technical side but takes a lot of practice to perfect,” said Marie Baldwin, 11.

SECTIONS. Each section in the SHS band works together. There are three main groups of instruments in a band: woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Woodwinds are comprised of flutes, oboes, saxophones, clarinets, and bassons. Brass is comprised of tubas, french horns, trumpets, and trombones, and the percussion section plays drums and bells.

CONDUCT. Dr. Micah Ewing stands for recognition with the band. There are four conductors including Ewing, Mr. Jim Blankenship, Mr. Jordan VonWahlde, and Mr. Zachary Starkie. Each instructor helps conduct as well as teach the three bells and levels of band.

PERFORM. First to take the stage was Band One which gathers during sixth bell, followed by Band Two which gathers during fifth bell, and lastly Band Three which gathers during second bell. There are numerous opportunities for band students to get involved outside of band such as jazz band, jazz ensemble, marching band, and theater performances that require pit orchestras like “Fiddler on the Roof” in March.

WOODWIND. Second bell band takes the stage. They played “Children’s March” by Percy Grainger, “Danzon No. 2” by Arturo Marquez, and “Dusk” by Steven Bryant. “My favorite piece was ‘Danzon No. 2’. It painted a really vivid picture in my head and it was super fun and lively. You could feel all the different parts coming together,” said Connor Close, 11.