Camp puts Medina band members through their paces

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – It has been an intense week of learning music, marching steps and overall choreography for the Medina Marching Band.

The 128 students in the field band have put in long hours each weekday this week.

They will show what they’ve learned during at preview show at 7 p.m. today. This year the band’s 7-minute show is called “Illusions.” Jim Steele, the band director, said it is partly a magic show.

He credited the students for their hard work. Even before band camp this week, students were learning music and getting together as the drum line, front ensemble, and color guard. This week all the units “put the whole show together,” Steele said.

The band has its first competition in Jamestown on Sept. 19. Medina will host the Fall Festival of Bands on Sept. 26, featuring 13 field bands.

Drum Major Amanda London, right, leads the band including the front ensemble. Michael Busch, left, is one of the percussion players in the ensemble.

Band Director Jim Steele watches the band members during camp this afternoon.

The band has been rehearsing Monday through Thursday this week from 1 to 9 p.m., with a 1 to 5 p.m. session on Friday.

The field band has won numerous state titles through the years, and is practicing hard again for the upcoming season.

Students drink water during a short break in the action this afternoon.