MEN IN BLACK – Spies were the message, as the NRHEG Marching Band, a/k/a "Secret Agent Band," let loose with spy tunes and spy antics last week at New Richland High School Gym. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
Indoor Band concert is infiltrated by musical spies
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Dangerous looking men in black suits and sunglasses, femmes fatales, and even James Bond took over the New Richland High School gym Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 24 and 25, when NRHEG’s new band director Sam Boerboom presented the band’s Indoor Marching Band Concert.
Visitors to the school event enjoyed a less conventional assortment of ensembles and instruments, and some theme choreography.
The spectacular show began with a selection by the black-clad Jazz Ensemble. The celebrated jazz unit playd “Jambalaya Jane” by Howard Rowe, “Señor Banana” by Victor Lopez, Gershwin’s classic “Summertime,” and “Panic Button” by Larry Barton.
This seasons’ Jazz Ensemble featured clarinetist Kyra Possin; Saxophonists Lillian Bell, Katharine Lewer, Justin Morenson, Chris Stenzel, and Betsy Schoenrock; brass players Logan Knutson, Missy Malakowsky, Solveig Stafford, and Zach Stenzel; tubaist Sam Morgan; pianist AubreyJohnson; and percussionists Jessica Nafe, Nicole Edon, Ben Lewer, and Will Rudau.
Next, the Seniors – also clad in black – took over, presenting a brassy arrangement of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. The number featured some cool spy moves and choreography by Amber Roeker.
The Color guard followed with flashy drill and banner work to “Heroes of the Heart.”
The first half was finished off with the drumline performing to Boerboom’s own arrangment of “Don’t Drop Dat.”
NRHEG Drumline featured captain Nicole Edon with Devin Buendor, Ben Lewer, Brenden McMann, Hudson Mrotz, Brandon Nicholson,Will Rudau, and Torrie Stencel.
Following intermission, intrigue and mayhem prevailed as the black-clad “Secret Agent Band” performed spy cinema classics: Lalo Shiffrin’s popular “Mission Impossible Theme,” followed by Mancini’s “The Pink Panther,” Szathmary’s theme from “Get Smart,” and Paul McCartney’s Bond theme “Live and Let Die.” The band was accompanied by spies and agents aplenty, dancing through the assembly brandishing spyglasses and being fierce, plus “007” James Bond himself (Kelson Titus).
Awards presented included: Panther of the Year – Aurora Storm, Color Guard of the Year – Jade Hill, Most Improved Color Guard – Bayli Possin, Rookie of the Year – Lillian Bell, Most Improved Wind Player – Keith Maxon.
Kallie Spooner was announced as Next year’s Junior Drum Major.
Following the awards, the band, drum majors and color guard performed “The Chicken Dance,” inviting members of the audience to join the fun.
The show concluded – naturally – with a spirited rendering of the “James Bond Theme.”