November 22, 2022

Click, click, click. Sitting in the bleachers, you hear the taps of a snare drum as 173 students march onto the football field. Their navy plumes flutter in the wind and the yellow and blue uniforms flash as the musicians prepare for their opening set. Color guard members place their equipment in the props and along the sidelines. Faces showing happiness, determination, nervousness and excitement look up at the stands. Suddenly the field is quiet and you see the drum majors begin to conduct. The show has started.

The 2022 Copley Marching Band has put hundreds of hours into this year’s show, entitled “ReNEWal.” The show begins with a bassoon solo by senior Emma Foster and six color guard members dancing with black pieces of fabric. There are six props on the field depicting various scenes that get flipped as the show progresses. The show’s theme is growth, and it uses diverse musical selections and featured soloists, including a closing solo by Foster, to deliver its message of hope.

“In the beginning of the show, the world is a toxic place, devoid of color, growth and happiness,” band director Cristina Wade said. “As the show progresses, new signs of growth begin to appear, [and] by the end, the world is completely renewed—green, beautiful, happy [and] flourishing.”

The band has had a notable season. At their first competition in Louisville, it won first place in class A. At its second competition in Brunswick, it won four awards: overall best general effect, overall Kathryn Curtis award for musical performance, first place in class A and overall grand champion. Each band member also received a medal at the Brunswick competition to show off their grand champion status. 

“I feel like we deserved the awards we obtained,” junior trumpet player James Conley said. “[We earned these] because of our diligent hard work from everybody, [especially] underclassmen who have never done this before.”

The band’s 45-member senior class has worked hard over the past four years to get to where they are now. The seniors hope underclassmen join the marching band and keep the program enjoyable and high-achieving for many years to come.

“To underclassmen wanting to join the marching band: Go for it!” senior color guard member Lauren Cremers said. “There is no harm in trying. You have to be willing to put your best foot forward, and even if it gets hard, you have to keep that positive mindset. It gets better and it pays off.”

Throughout this demanding season, the band has forged strong bonds and grown together.

“Copley Marching Band is really close,” freshman flute player Claire Hamilton said. “Compared to what I have seen on opposing teams’ band stands, we are always louder, more hyped, and although I am biased, we are better.”