Mountain Lion Varsity Band gives new definition to “Fight Song”
Are you sure that isn’t a college band? The AAJHS Varsity Band performs the National Anthem in “banner block” conducted by Katrina Flores. This time of respect is just the opening act for the band’s half time show conducted by Juan Gil. Photo by Richard Holsey
“I know plenty of high school bands who would kill for the sound you guys have…” Martin said.
Yet, this year’s older band members strive to uphold the “Superior reputation” they earned in Six Flags, NJ with their performances and the younger members try to uphold the good reputation, in most cases. Such effort took months of practice in the school parking lot and on Roosevelt Field.
“You guys have the talent, you just have to practice more,” mentioned Martin in a speech on focus.
But not just Martin has noticed the efforts put forth by the varsity band, so has the Hollidaysburg band,with a drum squad led by a very well liked junior high substitute, John Harber.
Thanks to Chris Laird and Harber, this year’s varsity band completed a feat rarely performed by junior high bands, by traveling with the football team to the Frankstown Tigers football stadium to perform halftime. The two fight songs of the hometown rivals blared at each other, making a game not so victorious a little more glorious.
Make sure to visit the band on Thursday, Oct. 25, for a Halloween game of frightening proportions. With drums and cheerleaders working together for 8 different cheers, and various other spirit-lifting songs to spur the Mountain Lions to victory over Penn Trafford. This Halloween game represents the last game of the season for ninth grade football players and musicians alike.
“If the whole season is great, but the last game stinks, that’s what people remember,” said Martin in a pep talk on Tuesday, Oct. 16, after the dress rehearsal for the Halloween game.
Such a speech spurred on band members to “…the best pre-game show I have seen in a long time” said fronts coach PeggyGuyer.
To follow such a great pre-game came a halftime show complete with Superman flags and capes and a shark weaving in and out to a Jaws/Superman medley.
Performances are not over for this year. Join the band 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 8 at Altoona Area High School for “Bandorama”. A combination of 6 grades and 2 hours of various music, support your peers and bring some friends for a festival of music.
Jodhua Lang • Sep 6, 2019 at 10:24 am
I’m in 7th grade band and wow the pregame is so exiting!
KYLE SISKRON LEONARD • Jan 14, 2013 at 6:56 pm
We did good!
KYLE SISKRON LEONARD • Jan 14, 2013 at 6:55 pm
We did good! n