As the marching band enters this season sharp with their new show, Fractured. It represents a “battle between angels and demons shown through the stained glass of a cathedral, according to Geremiah Houston-Williams.”
Overview
This year’s production has immense potential in all aspects: its drill, visuals, and music. “Fractured is a very abstract show, and it is very intriguing. One way to look at the show is that it’s a piece of glass that shattered and each movement is a piece; it’s unique,” claims Director Michael Reynolds. Which isn’t wrong; each of the five movements has a different feeling.
Movement Three
Guard Director Alyssa Hostos states her favorite movement is three because, “It’s mainly that big hit in the ensemble work. Seeing all that happens altogether when it aligns with the music gives me goosebumps. I think that same hit in the third also really highlights what (they) have learned technically in the last few months, and it’s so impressive to look at. It’s making me excited to see how y’all are gonna progress. Plus, doing six foot for the ballad was a huge risk, and I’m glad I took it because (they) are starting to really look like a team that’s spinning together.”
A six foot flag for the ballad was a huge risk because the color guard was supposed to have swing flags, which is a six foot long pole with a flag on it; however, Coach Hostos got the visual writer to change everything to an all six foot show. The third movement is really a big hit because it is a beautiful piece, and it’s kind of like the “glass” is coming together, or to defracture. Additionally, it showcases all the new skills the colorguard has learned this year.
Great Debate
Guard Director Oscar lbarra prefers movement four because “I really enjoy the dance choreography that is being performed and the music that goes along with it.”
However, head Director Perkins leans towards movement three as his preferred piece since, “it’s a beautiful piece with the music because it’s interesting as well, it’s new, and is intriguing.”
On the other hand, Director Jamie Ramos’ favored movement is two because, “it sets the show by demonstrating variety and complexity with visual and musical.” Showing how every or each movement really is unique and entertaining. Honestly speaking, all the movements look very good.
Overall Thoughts
All the movements are impressive. This whole show really challenges the band to do something new with their movements and music.
The band has only had two performances at this time at the halftime of the football games. And so far, they are off to a great start with everything from dance moves to catching tosses, to hitting music notes, and sets that are stellar.
“This year, the band is looking very strong as a team.” Guard director Alyssa Hostos says that the color guard has really improved: “We are a lot stronger in technique with the team because everybody has different skills. It gives us a lot of ideas to work with.” The flag work is an amazing asset to the show. So far, the work they do is really beautiful and eye-catching.
The directors state that they just have to keep pushing, you know it can get really hot and tiring but we are becoming the best of ourselves and we can only hope that the awards will come with it.
Color Guard Contribution
The guard’s work and form is very important because they are the visual of the show. Guard director Oscar lbarra agrees saying,”We are the visual, and it is not easy.”
Both the guard and band are both aiming to be reliable with each other. The guard directors hope to see all members together in the work, like they’re all one big flag. Band director Wesley Perkins says that “The band’s cohesiveness is way better than last year’s” and that “We are improving well.” Showing how hard the band has been pushing this season, and have been hard at work to make sure they can “Get better each time they go out onto the field,” Director Jamie Ramos says.
Really showing how this year they can give promising shows each time they go out to perform. Students should go see their performance at halftime; they will not regret it. It truly is an amazing show by an amazing band.
