As we gear up for our final performance of September, we reflect on the whirlwind month the Spartan Marching Band has had. Band members have diligently balanced the task of perfecting four halftime shows with academic commitments and other responsibilities. Needless to say, after our performance this weekend, band members are prepared for the football team’s three-week hiatus from Spartan Stadium.
In the same way athletes require periods of rest to recuperate, members of the SMB are eager to rechange, given the physical and mental demands we face. The first weeks in October leading up to the game against the University of Michigan offer a well-deserved chance for band members to relax after a taxing month.
After the game against Maryland, we may have time off from performing, but our commitment to excellence never wavers. Our time away from Spartan Stadium is an ideal time for dedicated practice and skill refinement. After intensely learning music and drill for multiple shows consecutive weeks in a row, we now have the opportunity to rehearse without racing against the clock.
When asked what they're going to do in their upcoming time off and how they’re going to prepare for the Michigan show, many band members had similar things to say. Feature Twirler Rylee Schlaud shared, “In our three weeks off, I’m going to let my body rest and catch up on sleep. Our crazy schedule is starting to take a toll on my body - It’s been a long month since preseason has started! To prepare for the Michigan game, I’ll be working on new tricks and choreography for halftime.” Similarly, Trumpet Ethan Kaminsky shared that, after this weekend, he’s going to, “Catch up on some sleep and get some rest that we wouldn’t get during a full game day like we’ve had the past couple of weeks. I’m also going to catch up on homework, which is something we usually don’t have time to do on a Saturday. To prepare for the Michigan game, I'll be doing a lot of memorization, studying, and playing my trumpet so I can give my best performance at the U of M show.”
We look forward to performing in Spartan Stadium this weekend at the Maryland game and surely will miss the electrifying atmosphere during our three weeks off. Rest assured, the SMB is dedicated to delivering an unforgettable performance this weekend, and when we return for the game against Michigan. Our commitment to greatness knows no limits, and we look forward to continuing to share our passion and dedication with our fellow Spartans now and in the weeks to come.