By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
The Whitewater High School Marching Band gave its first performance of the season during the halftime of the WHS vs. Parkview football game on Sept. 12.
This year’s production is entitled “Defying Gravity” and includes three musical selections: “Ascend” (by Sam Hazo arranged by Michael Sweeney), “Stairway to Heaven” (words and music by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant arranged by Ralph Ford) and “Defying Gravity” (from “Wicked,” arranged by Richard Saucedo.)
Due to the rainy field conditions that night, the band was unable to march and only performed the opening number, “Ascend.”
The description of the program states:
The music will lift your spirits and heighten your senses.
The sun will ascend and shine upon your day.
And though at times, the vision’s hazy,
We will fly high and Defy Gravity.
Members of the 2014 WHS Marching Band include: Wind instruments – Ethan Barclay, Alisan Barrett, Nathan Barrett, Mia Bentel, Heather Ceranske, Haley Dieter, Jordan Heller, Michael Hilliger, Abby King, Jimmy King, Alex Knedler, Madeline Kuhl, Anna Kuhtz, Krystal Leon, Elliott McCulloch, Miriam Navejas, Talia Olson, Anatoly Parker, Luis Ramirez, Kristof Staniszewski, Yvanna Strait, Bashkim Veliu, Lydia Wiley-Deal, Ben Zaballos and Jacob Zuelke; Percussion: Mitch Dalzin, Mitch Lema, Roland Luckett, Thomas McManaway, Jeremy Reutebuch, Devin Samaranayake and Forrest Spear; Color Guard: Jocelyn Crowe, Katrina Griffin, Hannah Hitchcock, Marren McCulloch, Daniela Porras, McKenna Riley, Ashley Rhinebold, Ana Rodriguez, Charissa Rothamer, Gwen Smith and Caty Strait.
Fulfilling the role of this year’s drum majors are Andi Markham and Kit Zoesch.
Abi Pulvermacher is the director of the WHS Marching Band, assisted by percussion/visual instructor Tony Kading and color guard instructor Niina Konz.
Future performances by the band will include the half time of WHS football games at home on Sept. 26 (Homecoming) and Oct. 16; at a competition at Fort Atkinson High School Oct. 12; and at the state marching band competition at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Oct. 18.
