Freshman band students practice for their upcoming concert on Oct. 20 in Mell Auditorium. This is the first year that band will hold a concert in the fall, according to Director of Bands Dr. Robert Lawrence. “(A fall concert) is something that I have been trying to give for about eight years now,” Lawrence said. “You know, we have concert band every day in class and we have three different ensembles, three different band classes, so we’re going to present a concert.” Photo by Zoe Peterson.
By KATIE GRACE UPCHURCH – Technical Staffer
The Clarke Central High School Band will be performing its first fall concert under Director of Bands Robert Lawrence on Oct. 20 in Mell Auditorium. This will also be the band’s first concert after moving into their new facilities.
After eight years as Clarke Central High School’s Director of Bands, Dr. Robert Lawrence will hold band’s fall concert on Oct. 20. The concert will take place in Mell Auditorium at 6 p.m.
According to Lawrence, wind ensemble, symphonic band and concert band will be performing.
“(We will be playing) what most people would consider classical, but it’s band literature — standard band literature,” Lawrence said.
Senior Steve Joseph has been in the band for four years and says the band’s new space has helped them prepare for the upcoming concert.
“You know, the room itself is a lot better. It’s also nice to not play in a dungeon,” Joseph said.
Lawrence agrees the facilities have helped his students prepare, but have not necessarily had any impact on their overall sound.
“The building itself is not going to make the band sound any better, but then again, this is the first time our kids have ever had a band room,” Lawrence said.
The building has provided students with extra practice time and accommodations that they did not have in the past, according to Lawrence.
“(The new building) allows a wonderful opportunity because there’s practice rooms there,” Lawrence said. “As we get into the year, the band students are going to be allowed to record themselves. Each practice room is a recording module.”
Lawrence says that due to the new building and technology, he has seen positive change which has helped band prepare for the concert.
“As far as physically making them play better, that still requires hard work and practice, but the technology will allow them to achieve their goals a lot easier,” Lawrence said.
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