The SFU Marching Band participated in two “side-by-side” events at Central Cambria and Tussey Mountain High Schools on Sept. 12 and 13.
On Sept. 12, SFU band members attended the Central Cambria varsity football game in Ebensburg and played in the stands alongside the Red Devils’ band.
Before the game, the two bands shared a pasta dinner and great conversation. At halftime, the two bands performed pieces of their halftime shows before teaming up to play “Crazy in Love” alongside the Greater Johnstown High School’s band.
“There’s some seventh or eighth grader in a band who’s not quite sure they’re going to keep doing it. Then they see a college band and they see how much fun we’re having,” said SFU Band Director Jonathan Neff.
“Maybe that will light a spark in them to keep doing it.”
On Sept. 13, the Red Flash band traveled to Saxton to participate in Tussey Mountain’s Band Festival. After watching eight different high school bands perform their halftime shows, the SFU band performed its show at the event in front of a large crowd of excited musicians and fans.
To close the event, all nine bands – which included more than 350 performers – teamed up to perform Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.”
“It was definitely important for the band to be able to see and meet other bands from high schools,” said SFU sophomore color guard member Savannah Doran.
“I’m sure the alumni from those high schools felt so happy seeing their old bands.”
The band’s next side-by-side event will be held at DeGol Field this Saturday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. when the group will host its third annual Marching Band Show.
Seven bands from high schools around the area will visit campus to perform their halftime shows. The bands will perform a combined piece titled “Land of 1,000 Dances” to close the event.
Admission to Saturday’s Marching Band Show is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Dorothy Day Outreach Center. The center is currently in need of toiletries and cleaning products.
“Even if they (students) don’t come here someday, I still want strong bands in the area,” said Neff. “Strong high school bands mean stronger college bands.”
