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Sports

Thursday, Sep. 03, 2009

2009 Football Preview: Stanislaus District's must-see bands

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Devoree Wiemers will have a hand in the success of the Hughson High football team this season.

Don't be looking for the senior to make a tackle, break a run or throw a pass, however.

Instead, listen for Wiemers.

She's the student director of Hughson's pep band, an energetic group that blows its own horn every Friday night.

"She worked this summer choosing music for the group and is working with them in rehearsals," Hughson music director Ella Webb says. "She has great leadership skills."

Much like Hughson's quarterback on the field, Wiemers makes sure everyone is in the right place and ready to play. And her band works every bit as hard as the football team.

And Hughson's not unique.

Friday night football games provide a showcase for high school bands across the Stanislaus District, whether they play in the stands or march on the field during halftime.

"Anybody who thinks that we shouldn't get PE credit for marching band should visit our camp," says Davis band director Dan Bryan. "This is one of the most physically and mentally taxing activities you’ll find on campus."

You won't find a more dedicated athlete on campus than junior Amy Scoggins. A bass clarinet player, she will also be this year's drum major.

The selection of Scoggins is similar to how some coaches pick their quarterback.

"We like to have drum majors for two years, as it helps grow them into stronger leaders," says Bryan, who has 44 musicians and 10 students on the flag team. "She ... is poised, well spoken and understands the intensity and dedication of the group."

1. Davis High — The band uses Friday nights to prepare for its competitive season, Bryan says, noting that football games allow the band to perform for the community and students, as well as supporting the team. Bryan and his band write original shows for competitions, and often play the same music at the games. "We keep a few popular tunes around — 'Jaws,' 'Smoke on the Water,' etc. — but we play the show in the stands (because) it gives us good memorization practice," Bryan adds. There are two weeks of two-a-day practices in August, and practice three nights each week — in addition to the music class.

2. Sonora High — The Golden Regiment has 100 performers and there’s not a band in the district that is more enjoyable to watch on a Friday night. The band performs in the stands from the end of the JV game through the end of the varsity game, taking the field at halftime. Drum majors Sarah Garcia and Allen "Mace" Haugh are out front, and they help mesh the band with the cheerleaders in a joint tune at halftime. It's a great night, looking out at the Sierra and listening to "Paint It Black", "How Far We’ve Come" and other hits.

3. Patterson — The band is known for the song "Eye of the Tiger," which is appropriate since the sports’ teams are called school's nickname is the Tigers. Band director Spencer Jepson has 35 kids in the band and nine on the flag team. Drum major Kristen Furze can be found out front, organizing the band on the field and in the stands for the second year in a row. "She wants to study music in college and has a good rapport with other students," Jepson says. Shows will include music from the "Batman" and "Indiana Jones" movies.

4. Pitman High — Win or lose, says band director Ruben Modesto, the band is there to play the fight song at the end of the game. The Marching Pride doesn't like the sound of silence, and their music is worth a touchdown to the football team. It starts with drum major Lorraine Webb, who runs a band of 88 kids with 18 more in color guard, and coordinates routines with the cheerleaders. "We (won’t) play between plays if they are cheering and they dance along when we’re playing," Modesto says. "Last year for homecoming we put the band, the color guard and the cheerleaders on the field at the same time," says Modesto. "I hope to continue that type of teamwork at every homecoming. We want games to have that old-school Friday night feel."