By SELENA ESTRADA
Student Reporter
Fall doesn’t just mean it’s time for football – it’s also time for the marching band!
NWOSU Ranger Band has three different bands: jazz band, marching band and concert band.
The jazz band is a small group of about 10 people. Members practice every Monday and Wednesday and are ready to attend their first jazz festival of the year on Oct. 29 at Enid.
The marching band is also fairly small, consisting of about 26 members. The small number of members is no worry to the director, Marc Decker, Ph.D.
He said he believes the number is not what matters most, but it’s the quality of the band that is the key. They are, however, still accepting new members even though they have already started practicing and performing.
As there are six home football games, the marching band will be preparing for three to four original shows. The group entertained football fans at the opening home game last Saturday, and they will be the half-time highlight again this Saturday. They will perform a “Katy Perry Show” again on Saturday. This consists of three of the famous singer’s songs: “Firework,” “Hot and Cold” and “Roar.”
The marching band has made good progress and is excited and ready for their performances, Decker said.
Homecoming is an exciting and important time for the marching band, Decker said. During the homecoming festivities, the group will be doing what is called a “mass band,” where bands from surrounding towns join in with the Ranger band. They will all march in the parade and then perform a “fun music” show with a Disney theme, Decker said. He has invited junior high and high school twirlers from different towns to join in as well.
As Halloween approaches, a “Halloween Show” is being prepared for the football game on Halloween night. This show, however, will be a surprise, and fans will have to come out that night to see and hear what’s planned, Decker said.
The concert band has not yet started, but as freshman band member Madison Hofen said, the group is expecting more members to join.
The Ranger band has been practicing and working hard, said Richard Barber, a sophomore. And the band has become something more – a family, he said.