For the 102 students in the marching band, performing at games is not the only reward; the marching band also participates in various competitions. On October 11, the Marching Hawks hosted a competition for other high schools. At this competition the James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes and Virginia Tech Marching Virginians also appeared.

Amy Birdsong, the symphony, jazz and concert band teacher, who also teaches wind ensemble and music theory, said both James Madison University and Virginia Tech are known for having some of the best marching bands on the East Coast.

A few recent graduates from Hanover High, such as Kelly Borkey and Ralph Mason, are now marching with the Royal Dukes.

Ralph Mason graduated two years ago and plays the snare drum in the James Madison University Marching Band. His younger brother, Jordan Mason, is a sophomore at Hanover and plays the bass drum. Jordan said that he was motivated to be in the band to follow in his brother’s footsteps and would also like to play in the James Madison University marching band after graduation.

What are the ingredients for a perfect marching band? Practice, teamwork and discipline are all deciding factors in how well a marching band will perform.

“A combination of good leadership and practice,” sophomore Blake Potts said. “You need someone who is creative enough to come up with routines. Continuous practice makes all the difference.”

“A marching band is good whenever everyone is in time and in step; there is no phasing in the music, and there is a nice tone quality,” sophomore Genevieve Campbell said.

Birdsong thinks that a motivated senior class has a significant impact on the band’s success. She said the underclassmen seem to be more motivated if they follow a motivated upper class.



Marching band is not considered a club, but it is not considered a sport either. Many band members believe marching band does not get the respect that it deserves.

“It used to bother me a lot more than it does now. Since school spirit has improved, the band is more appreciated,” Birdsong said.

“We’re a very close group, so I would consider us both a club and a sport,” junior Doug Tibbett said.

In August, returning members attend “band camp.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New members of the marching band attend “rookie camp.”

“Rookie camp was interesting, a little juvenile, because everyone was a little immature, but the leadership was amazing. We learned how to do the forward and backward march, and basically all commands,” freshman Hannah Tibbett said.

Most band members agree that both of these camps are the worst part of marching band.

“It’s really hot and you have to stay outside for a long time. You get this marching band shoe tan, and your feet are white, and your legs are tan. It’s really ugly,” sophomore Alex Howell said.

However, a few students do enjoy it.

“Band camp is fun! It just gives you a chance to meet the new freshmen and see where everybody is,” Jordan said.

The drum majors lead the band. This year they are Doug and senior Eric Rowsey.

Doug plays the bass clarinet in the band, and he has been playing it since the seventh grade. In addition to his role in the band, he plays the alto saxophone for show choir.

Rowsey plays the saxophone and has also been playing since the seventh grade. He will be heading off to James Madison University next year and will be playing in their marching band.

“What impresses me about a marching band is the ability to sound together with such a large number of people and to make forms on a field,” Rowsey said.

Because the marching band hosted the event they were not able to compete. But, they were able to perform during the competition. The James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes performed at 1 p.m. and the Virginia Tech Marching Virginians performed at 6 p.m. This competition acted as a fundraiser for the band; between concessions and gate costs, their goal was to raise $6,000.