Practice. Practice. Practice. Sweat, rain, and more practice, uniforms, and head gear. No this is not football but a big part of life in The Band. These are the student Musicians who work many long hours to perfect half-time shows for the football games. But it is much more than just an intermission for the game. These Marching Band shows are developed in a competitive air for each school to present in the multiple competitions for Band performance. From District to Area to Regional, State and National events our students strive for honors as best among the field of competitors.
Performance Bands have been a part of the fabric of life in Fort Bend County for more than 100 years. The major towns had their own groups of organized musicians to add to the entertainment life popular through the years. How about the Pimpler Volunteer Band, out of Beasley in 1909. There were about ten musicians, with percussion and horns, and cowboy hats all around. Or picture the Rosenberg Concert Band of about 20, organized in 1908 with percussion, horns, and winds, dressed in an early version of a Band uniform, complete with hat. The Richmond High School Band was formed in 1936. Uniforms presented more dress color and contrast by this time, dressed for show, and we see where some current uniform traditions may have been started.
This performance tradition has evolved into today’s Fine Arts educational Music and Band experience that our Middle and High Schools provide to build on the development of Fort Bend’s young adults. Those original Bands were small, perhaps 10 to 20 musicians, and are dwarfed by today’s assemblies of 100 to 200 or more talented young musicians orchestrated into spectacular marching performances.
You have your opportunity to experience the fine exhibition of performances of All of Fort Bend ISD’s High School Bands in one sitting. Tuesday, October 7th, in Mercer Stadium is Fort Bend Band Night. All eleven High Schools from Fort Bend ISD and three from the Lamar Consolidated District are expected to perform the shows they have practiced, for our enjoyment. This is also the dress rehearsal for these School Bands as they begin their competition events for the season. In two weeks, on October 21st, these Bands will perform their shows in the UIL Marching Competition in Mercer Stadium.
Music is such an inspiration, so show your support, encourage this ongoing development of artistic endeavors in our community, remember your local music businesses, and come out to enjoy the marvelous show!
