NAPLES — Rain and sweat mingled together on Naples High’s Staver Field Saturday night as marching bands from seven high schools showcased their talents at the annual Collier County high school band performance.
About 1,200 students took the field for the 28th annual Collier County Band High School Showcase.
Though rain threatened to bring a halt to the event, a large supporting crowd turned out and grew rapidly into standing room only.
Bands attending were from Immokalee High, under the direction of Steve Detjen; Lely High, directed by John Stein; Golden Gate High, under the direction of Steve DeLadurantey; Naples High, directed by Melvin Maxwell; Palmetto Ridge, under the direction of Bill Reaney; Barron Collier High, directed by Kelly Parker and Gulf Coast High, under the direction of Robert Hamberg.
Saturday night at Naples High, the band members competed for smiles and confidence. But next weekend it will be for ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association marching band competition at Fort Myers High School.
Maxwell has directed for Naples High for 17 years. Graduating from Naples, he helped put the very first band showcase on the field. “This show is not a competition. It is a chance to allow the bands to see how they are doing, and what changes they need to make’’ for next weekend’s competition, Maxwell said.
It’s not just about ratings though.
Maxwell said the showcase benefits the public as well.
“It educates the audience and gives us a chance to show the public our hard work. This show is tougher than (Florida Bandmasters) because we do this in front of our friends and peers,’’ Maxwell said. “This is a great opportunity for people to see what a marching band is like, and then when there are attempts to cut programs, the public can stand up against it and say, ‘No, we like those programs. We want to see more.’”
Reaney has directed at Palmetto Ridge for five years.
He seemed excited after the show.
“I am very happy with the turnout and the performances. I was worried about the weather, but it turned out all right. I just made some mental notes about what changes we need to make. Overall, I feel everyone is in good shape,” Reaney said.
Each band offered something unique.
Immokalee is marching an Egyptian-themed show this year.
Lely has a dance routine from its color guard and the band plays a rendition of Sam & Dave's “Soul Man,” complete with electric guitar and vocals.
Golden Gate adds props to its props — a streamer-throwing, smoke-blowing Michael Jackson silhouetted centerpiece. They are marching their Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Jackson 5 show.
Naples High offers horn pops, intersecting moving lines, and features classic rock hits from the likes of Queen and The Who.
Palmetto Ridge is marching a theme of “Night at the Movies.” The show features classic hits from Indiana Jones and James Bond as well as newer fare from Drumline and Hairspray.
Barron Collier is performing a Stevie Wonder show this year, with baton work, a dance routine and high-step marching. The band broke form at one point and ran like mad around the field without aiding in any deaths via brass and reeds.
The 350-piece band of Gulf Coast High is performing a classic rock show. The band just returned from marching in the Disney parade, and will appear as the halftime show for the Miami Dolphins in November when the team plays the Seattle Seahawks.
The Saturday show was taped, and directors traded notes to assist in the tweaking process before the big competition.
Students understand the importance of this show and the tips they get from it.
Naples senior Meghan Macdonell has played baritone in the showcase all four years of her high school career.
“This show really tells you how the other bands are doing. You know what the judges are expecting, and how you compare. It is very helpful to us,” Macdonell said.
Nick Bailey, an 18-year-old Naples High senior, agreed.
“It lets me get a view of my competition. It’s really fun. Band is my time where I don’t have to worry about academics, I can learn music as well as social values,” Bailey said.
Not all members in the crowd were family members.
Some folks came out just to see a good show, for just $5.
Kathryn Schwarzwaelder, who has been in Naples for 37 years, sat in the rain with her umbrella politely asking people around her if they could still see. Rain or shine, she was there for the show.
“It is a great program for the kids, I just love it. They all did so well,” Schwarzwaelder said.
Lee Miller, 19, of Immokalee, was another spectator who came out just for the entertainment.
“All of the bands were impressive. It’s great to see kids doing something so fantastic. This gives people a chance to say, ‘Wow, look at what those kids are doing.’” he said. “It’s great, rather than all of the negatives we tend to hear. I enjoyed the show.”
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The Florida Bandmasters Association competition will be at Fort Myers High School on Saturday, Nov. 1. The first band will take the field at 7 p.m. Marching bands from around Southwest Florida will compete. Tickets are $6 and $7, and may be purchased at the door.
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Contact Sarah Gottwalles, a Florida Gulf Coast University student, at segottwa@eagle.fgcu.edu
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