By Alan Ashley
Music was in the air Wednesday, Sept. 23, as the Chelsea High School Music Program held its 18th Annual Chelsea Marching Band Exhibition at Jerry Niehaus Stadium. Beach Middle School’s bands opened the evening, followed by Chelsea’s marching band and 13 other high school bands from southeastern Michigan, before Eastern Michigan University’s “Pride of the Peninsula” marching band closed out the night.
For those who have never attended this marching band exhibition, it is a dress rehearsal for the bands before heading to the MSBOA Marching Band Festival, held in early October every year. Although the exhibition isn’t judged, individuals with musical backgrounds observe each performance, taking notes on what went well and where improvements can be made before the festival a few weeks later.
After EMU performs, all band members head to the field for a meet-and-greet with other musicians. For example, trombone players get together and talk, sometimes asking college musicians questions about a variety of things. Some students look for friends they knew in high school who now play in a college marching band.
If you love music and marching bands, this event is held every year in late September. Members of the CHS football team often come out to support the band, since they can’t watch their halftime show during their Friday night games.
Photos by Alan Ashley
