Indian River High School band off to a busy start this year

The Indian River High School marching band is off and marching for the 2012-2013 school year!

The band has performed their 2012 field show three times to date — a pre-game show in Milford and two halftime shows at home. This year’s show is titled “The Sounds of Motown,” as the band performs some of the greatest hits of the Motown era, including “Get Ready” by the Temptations, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin and “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5. Drum Majors Hanna Hattier, Chris Chapdelaine and Jake Rickards lead the band onto the field.

This year’s field show is dedicated to the memory of Jackie Pavik, who was tragically killed in an auto accident just before the start of the new school year. At the band’s Sept. 21 halftime performance, a special ceremony was held to honor Jackie and dedicate a plaque in her memory that will hang outside the Band Room on a permanent basis.

Last week, the band held its annual Elementary & Middle School Band Night as students from Selbyville Middle School, Southern Delaware School of the Arts and the three elementary schools (Phillip Showell, John M. Clayton and Lord Baltimore) got to sit in with the band.

It turned out to be an amazing evening, as some 300 students participated. Special thanks go to band directors Clay Reipen from SMS, Melody Oneschuck from SDSA and Nate Mohler from the elementary schools, as well as all the IR Band Boosters who helped organize the event.

Special thanks also go to Capriotti’s Subs in Bethany Beach for providing the Boosters with delicious subs to sell in the concession stand during last week’s game. All money generated at the concession stand goes to pay for the band’s spring trip. Next time you’re at an IR football game, come by the Band Boosters’ concession stand and grab something to eat and drink.

Upcoming performances for the IR marching band include an away game at Delmar this Friday night and Homecoming on Oct. 12. The band will also participate in the Selbyville Halloween Parade — in costumes — on Wednesday night, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m.

Band members will soon be selling the new 2012-2013 IR Marching Band Discount Card! The card offers up discounts to local businesses and is a great value at only $10 each. Proceeds benefit the band’s upcoming trip in the spring. Check out the Indian River High School Band Boosters’ Facebook page for more information and a listing of all the participating businesses.

Look for the IR Band Boosters on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Pumpkin Festival at the Millville fire hall. The Boosters will be selling water, soda and candy, plus raffle chances on a 2012 Coolster 125cc Woods & Trail Bike valued at $1,000 (donated by Ace Cycle 2 of Millsboro). Raffle tickets cost $5 each or get three tickets for $10. Get your tickets today and good luck!

If you would like to get more information on the IR marching band, or the Band Boosters, please contact us at: IRBandBoosters@gmail.com. March on … play loud!