It’s almost that magical time of year again. At the hallowed grounds of football stadiums across Texas, Friday night lights are about to shine brightly. But before that stalwart of small-town entertainment can capture the hearts, minds and emotions of loyal fans, another well-rehearsed group begins marching to the beat of a different drummer – literally.
Perennial favorites during halftime, marching bands across Texas have begun their elaborate preparations for this football season’s synchronized musical marching shows. McKinney High School’s Royal Pride Band began their Summer Band Camp on Monday, August 4, the first day of a three-week session. The ‘original’ high school proudly announces the arrival of three new band directors, Ken Ringel, MHS Director of Bands, Marcus Hunley, MHS Associate Director of Bands, both formerly of Frisco ISD, and Austin Chappell, Percussion Director, a recent honors graduate of the University of North Texas. The Color Guard’s fluid flags and crisp rifles are choreographed and led by MHS Band alumnus Sandra Leung, returning for a second season as Color Guard Director.
Ringel, Hunley, Chappell and Leung have begun teaching drills, formations and musical arrangements for this year’s show, “Urban Countryside”. The ‘Royal Pride’ Band is a whopping 140 members strong and poised for a stellar season. 2008-09 Drum Majors are seniors Tori Brenna, Lindsay Schermer and Ruthie Stoner. Drum Captain is senior Troy Maikowski. The 11-member Student Leadership Team (SLT) is comprised of a cross section of exceptional band students led by President Erin Baird and Vice-President David Cullinan. Band Parent Organization President is Wanda Maikowski.
The Band’s first public performances will be held outdoors on Saturday, August 16, during the 7th Annual March-A-Thon. The March-A-Thon is the band’s largest fundraiser; students march in formation for five miles under the Texas sun and collect pledges to help pay for their spring trip.
The full band (with parents and other band groupies following) marches though west McKinney, playing during the entire five-mile route. The public is encouraged to follow the route and cheer on the overheated yet spirited musicians. (Blue and gold, posters, cowbells, applause and other signs of encouragement are always appreciated.)
The ‘Royal Pride’ Band departs McKinney High School at 8 a.m. sharp, crosses under I-75 onto Eldorado’s Valley Creek Trail, to Sunny Meadow, Kensington, Provine and Hardin Roads, and continues to White Wing in Pheasant Run before crossing to Tom Thumb on Eldorado Parkway.
At Tom Thumb it will perform a standstill outdoor concert, and the group will then be bussed to its final outdoor concert at Market Street on Eldorado Parkway. Market Street has generously provided lunch to the band for several years.
The Band seeks corporate and individual sponsors for this season; these hardworking students depend on the community’s generosity to continue the strong MHS Band program’s tradition of ‘Royal Pride’ and excellence. For more information or to sponsor, call Director Ken Ringel at 469.742.5856 or email kringel@mckinneyisd.net. All donations are tax-deductible. Details about this fine program may be found at http://www.mhsroyalpride.org/.
