By Sophia Rose and Hudson Deweese
The Buhler Marching Band is going to shock their audience this year. Their show X-otic is like nothing they have ever done before. It is definitely worth it to go and see them at any home Buhler football game.
The Buhler band has excelled and grown to be very successful for being in a small town. They have done very well at competitions all over Kansas and even at the Kansas Bands Association’s Open Class Marching Championship, which they have placed 3rd at for the past 2 years.
Fans will be amazed at how the band went in a completely different direction this year from last year’s show Valor.
“Both shows are unique in a lot of different ways. With Valor [the BHS show last year], the intent of the show was to pay homage to those who have served our country. In this year's X-otic, the whole point of the show is to push the audience (and the band members) into territory that is unfamiliar to them,” said Alex Meek, assistant band director at BHS.
Directors have also added in elements to help better portray the exotic feel of the show, which contains popular music, jazz and waltzes throughout the show.
“That is going to be different than what we have done, and we have new show tops [for uniforms], the props, and we are trying some new choreography which should be very exciting,” said Sloane Adkins, a senior drum major.
Ava Waln, another senior drum major, had unique descriptions of their show this year.
“I would describe the show as colorful, lively, and unlike anything we've ever performed.
When asked about what he was most excited about, Mr. Meek said, “I'm most excited to perform the ballad at a game or competition. The ballad Oogway Ascends has the potential for a ton of musicality and expression, and I think it's the point that is easiest for our performers and audience members to connect to.”
With excitement also comes nerves as there is pressure on all marching band members and there are a lot of variables that could go wrong for each performance.
“I'm very nervous about our giant props and the amount of them. They are like sails, and they blow off or over,” said Adkins.
The whole band appreciates all the support they can get.
“The band has put a lot of work into this show, so you should take time to watch a performance,” said Waln.
Any person who watches the Buhler marching band perform can see how much dedication each student has to the program. Supporters can watch their show at any Buhler High School home football game. The dates include September 29th, October 6th, and October 21st at the KBA Championship in Lawrence.