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My Freshman Year in the THS Band

in the month of May, we've had concerts and the Memorial Day parade to march and the events were on the last days of May too. First off, there was the district band concert on May 25th, also called Bandapooloza. We have the kids from the elementary schools: Forbes School, Torringford School, East School, Southwest School and Vogel-Wetmore School in Torrington play as a large group, then from the Torrington Middle School we have the 6th grade band and the 7/8th grade band, and last but not least, us, the Torrington High School concert band. The elementary school did a great job, I can't believe they're going to be the future of this band, it's nice seeing all of those little kids play instruments that we now play today. They played 3 songs together, each conduced by different band teachers, including Mr. Hodgkins of the middle school band. The middle school was awesome, and because they couldn't have their concert due to Mr. and Mrs. Hodgkins newborn baby (congrats, btw!) they played their concert set list there. And then us. We played songs that we were suppose to play in the winter concert which we couldn't have take place because of a snow day and no way to reschedule. And then all of the bands that were there played Yorktown March together. We got compliments for keep our songs short and sweet, and I thought that was thoughtful. It was very hot that night, so I'd give a big thanks to everyone who came out on such a hot day and waving their programs to stay cool. On May 27th, we had the Farewell Concert for the Class of 2010. It included all of the choir, orchestra, and band. I think everyone did a fabulous job. The choir sung beautiful pieces and at the end had some of their alumni perform with the choir. Orchestra actually did great, . Jazz band did a terrific job, I was very surprised of their hard work to get 7th place in the 2010 Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival, they definitely deserved it. I think our concert band did a good job with our songs. I'm use to playing in front of all those parents after experience, so it isn't really nerve-wracking to play in the Warner anymore. It was nice to play those last songs with the senior class of 2010, I really liked that class and they've helped so much with my band experience as a freshmen. I couldn't ask for better seniors, thank you so much and good luck!

On May 31st, we marched the Memorial Day parade. I was so nervous for that parade because we haven't marched in so long and I wasn't really use to keeping in-step with the song yet, so that is definitely something I think I have to work on for D.C. I also have to remember the entire song too, that'd help a lot, instead of just blaring the wrong notes or just guessing notes especially since the song is Stars And Stripes Forever. The parade, I thought actually went by fast since it didn't stop. Of course, the whole band was sweating and was getting hot...but hey, we march blood, sweat, and tears. We also marched proud with our banner stating that we're marching in the National Independence Parade that half of Torrington didn't know about. I know we could've done so much better at the parade, but that's what rehearsal is for on June 15th, to make a ton of improvement. It's a difference than marching from the middle school band because you're actually wearing uniforms and have to keep in-step and have good horn angles. I have no problem with it though because I love marching band and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. So, I think the incoming freshmen for the class of 2013 and any other incoming classes for the future shouldn't be scared of marching band, it's one of the most fun things I experience in my life.

There's about 26 days until we go to Washington D.C. to march in the National Independence Parade! I am so excited! It's a lifetime experience I can't wait to happen. I just want to see the crowd of people cheering on that street when we start marching...I just can imagine it, but it will be more exciting once that moment happens. I don't think half the band knows that so many people are going to be watching us and judging us on how we do along with the other marching bands from the country that are participating in this parade. Only less than a month, wow. This year is going by so fast! It amazes me.

The Pride of Torrington gets ready for National Parade

The Torrington High School Marching Band "The Pride of Torrington" will represent the State of Connecticut and all of New England in the 2010 National Independence Day Parade July 4, 2010 in Washington, D.C.  This will mark the second time since 2006 that THS will be marching in a National Parade!

THS BAND CAR WASH FUNDRAISER!

The Torrington High School Band "The Pride of Torrington" will hold a FREE Car Wash Fundraiser (Donations accepted) on Saturday June 19, 2010 from 10:30am-2:30pm at the McDonalds on Main Street in Torrington.

Torrington High School Band will be representing New England in the 2010 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on Sunday July 4. This will mark the second time since 2006 that THS will be marching in a National Parade!

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