No football game is complete without a captivating halftime show. The strong cheers from the stadium, rhythmic flow of the dancers, and the beating pulse of the drums make for a fiery and unforgettable experience. As much as the Woodgrove community appreciates our performers, most people don’t see the hard work behind it. What is the story behind a great halftime show?

“Marching band is a theatrical production on the football field,” shares Ryan Dempsey, Woodgrove’s Marching Band director. “It involves marching, body movements, and playing music. We have colorguard, wind players, baritone percussion, and front ensemble percussion. It’s almost like a stage show.” Though many people think of marching bands as nothing more than music, members of the band know that the process is a performance in its own right. 

The band’s talents will be shown throughout the year at football games, as well as at competitive performances. “The show is called ‘Another Brick in the Wall’. The whole point of it is-we aren’t going to conform to what society says you have to do. Be an individual. Be yourself.” According to Dempsey, performers will express this theme by utilizing the set design of a giant chalkboard. “As the show progresses, you’re going to see different individuals expressing this by adding different colors or accessories [to the chalkboards].” Dempsey continues.

Junior percussionist Eoin Lester says Marching Band has improved more than just his skills in the music room saying, “It’s definitely improved my work-life balance, my overall habits, and has made me a more reliable and dependable person.” 

From a teaching perspective, seeing the final show is what makes everyone’s hard work worthwhile according to Thomas Acquino, Woodgrove’s Marching Band visuals director. Acquino explains, “The performance days are what we live for. Watching the kids take everything we’ve taught them and actually put a product out on the field, seeing that growth, is very satisfying. We take a lot of pride in having them perform so well. It’s their skill and our product.”

Sophomore color guard member Mai Sylvester shares a similar opinion on productions, and how exciting they are for the performers themselves. “I really like when we perform at football games. We get to practice a lot before our competitions, and the energy and vibes are great. My favorite show was one we did about Amelia Earhart; it was interesting, colorful, happy the whole time, and really fun to perform.” 

Every year the Marching Wolverines put on a spectacular performance, keep an eye on the field to see how this year’s show progresses.