BEMIDJI — As marching band gets into its busy season, the Bemidji community has a chance to see the Bemidji High School Marching Band’s show.
The annual “Meet the Band” fundraiser begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, at Bemidji High School. A pulled pork dinner in the BHS cafeteria will be followed by the marching band performance on the track.
The admission fee is $20 for the pulled pork dinner. The funds go toward operational expenses such as traveling to and from parades, paying staff, food and lodging.
This year, the marching band is performing “Imaginarium” by Randall Standridge. Drum major Braeden Dougherty told the KAXE Morning Show that practices began back in April for this season running through the summer.
They also have a busy schedule this season. Last year, they had four shows, and this year they are performing at nine events in places like Sauk Rapids, Alexandria, and a final show in Bemidji.
Drum major Elizabeth Buxton said her favorite part of marching band is building community through the band.
“I also really enjoy the parades and I like watching the audience's reaction to our show, because we've put so much work into it, so it's really cool to see the other people also enjoy as much we do,” Buxton said.
There are about 80 people involved in the marching band. With the drum line, color guard, and wind instruments, it’s a large endeavor traveling and performing.
There will also be a 50-50 raffle at the event, a senior recognition portion, and a chance to come on the track to meet the band members and directors.
Dougherty said, “We've had a lot of goals this season and it would be really cool if we got a lot of people to show up on this night.”
Buxton added, “I also think we've worked really hard to get the show out there. ... So I think it'd be super cool people could come out and watch it.”
The event will be inside the gym if there is bad weather.
