COME WATCH the MHS Marching Band and Color Guard perform this weekend at Fred Green Field. (courtesy photo)
TOWNSEND—The Melrose Marching Band was on the road this past weekend for their season opener and first competition, Saturday, September 30th, at North Middlesex High School in Townsend, MA.
Competing in Division IV this year, Melrose faced tough competition from the bands from Salem and Oliver Ames. With a score of 75.1, Melrose performed well, bringing their unique blend of music and marching to the field.
The show this year is physical and challenging from a marching perspective and the color guard is presenting new elements, tossing rifles and sabres, in addition to spinning silks. With 68 students in grades 8-12, including 17 new members, this first outing was an opportunity for the band to get comfortable in the competitive setting. Melrose will look to improve their performance each week, perfecting their drill, polishing their music, and adding new visuals to the field to challenge the competition.
The 2023 Competition Show, called Distant Horizons, features Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsokav, Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla, Nothing is Lost by The Weeknd, and Caravan by Duke Ellington. Music is arranged by Melrose local musician and teacher, Jack Tully. The field drill is designed by Ed Devlin with accent elements added to the show by the band students. The music is challenging and drill compelling, highlighting the musical talent of the band with soloists throughout the show.
