The Mighty Maroon Marching Band of Brownwood High School is already hard at work as band practice for the new school year kicked off this week.
Newly hired head band director David Lambert states that summer band has gotten off to a great start.
“We’ve had a great turnout,” said Lambert. “About 90 students have shown up for the first day of practice.”
The full band began marching and practicing their Beethoven themed UIL marching contest show on Tuesday.
“The music is exciting classical, it’s full of recognizable music that will make a great show,” said Lambert.
Assisting Mr. Lambert is his wife Lesley who will also teach 6th grade band and work with the color guard.
The color guard is also working hard to perfect their routines for the show. Stephanie Bonebrake of Mansfield, a specialist in color guard choreography, is helping Mrs. Lambert to get the members off to a great start. According to the Lamberts, Bonebrake has had many years of championship color guard groups. They also explained that about half of the group is made up of returning members and the other half are enthusiastic newcomers, which makes for a good mix.
Most recently hired, the Middle School Band Director Adam Cartwright joins the Lamberts this year. Cartwright has been teaching for 14 years and most recently worked at Raymondville, Texas near Harlingen in south Texas.
Another person helping out this year is HPU student Jake Shelton who will be observing the band as part of his studies at HPU.
Lambert stated that all students interested in band are welcome to come to summer band practice which got into full swing Tuesday. The students start at 7:30am marching and then practice until noon, picking back up from 1-4pm for various sectional practices throughout that time. Practice will continue August 20-23 in the evenings from 6:00-8:30pm.
August 20th, the BHS band will perform in a “Welcome Back” event for teachers and staff of BISD.
Mr. Lambert stated that everyone is excited and ready for the coming season.
“The Mighty Maroon Marching Band and staff are excited about the upcoming school year and look forward to performing for the community and showing our support for the Lions at pep rallies, football games and halftime performances,” said Lambert.
Pictured above is the BHS band marching practice Tuesday. Below are more pictures of the band and color guard.
