As you might have noticed, the Edsel Ford High School Marching Band is a bit bigger this year.. the marching band consists of forty-two band members and eight color guard members. The marching band season started all the way back in May for the Memorial Day parade, but their first football halftime show was on August 24th. The show’s theme is “Around the World with Carmen Sandiego.” The show includes songs like the Carmen Sandiego theme song, Malaguena by Ernesto Lecuona, and Africa by Toto.
The color guard group performs along with the marching band. The color guard is responsible for dancing along with the band, along with choreographed flag dances.
The last football halftime performance is on October 13 but the last official performance is on October 17th (The Family and Friends Show).
To get both the band’s and color guard’s perspective of the season, I interviewed a member from each section.
Nalani Carter, 12th Grade Member of EFHS Color Guard
C:How many years have you been in the color guard here at Edsel?
N: “Almost two years.”
C: What has been your favorite part of the marching band season?
N: “Performing in front of an audience.”
C:What made you want to join the color guard? How did you get interested in color guard?
N: “My sister Alana was the one who got me interested in color guard.”
C: If you could describe color guard in one word, what would it be and why?
N: Perfectionist. You have to be very on point with your movements and your movements need to be huge.”
C: For people interested in joining the Edsel Ford Color Guard what would you tell them?
N: “I would tell them to be ready for anything and stay fully committed because once you join you’re in it until the end.”
Marius Gruther, 11th grade EFHS Band member
C: How many years have you been doing marching band at Edsel Ford?
M: “ This is my third season doing marching band at Edsel Ford.’’
C:What has been your favorite part of the marching band season this year?
M: “My favorite part of the season this year has been learning the music for our show. Specifically the sax duet I had to learn.”
C:Would you like to continue marching band when you get older?
M: “ After high school I don’t really know if I’ll continue marching band. It is more of a major hobby to me rather then something I’d like to make a future.’’
C: If you could describe the marching band in one word what would it be and why?
M: “Collaborative because it takes a lot of coordination between everyone in the group in order to make the show fun and exciting.”
C:For people interested in joining the Edsel Ford marching band what would you tell
them?
M: “ It takes a lot of hard work and is no easy task. If you want to have fun in the marching band, you have to take it seriously and pay attention 100% of the time.”
The Author’s Perspective:
I have always dreamed of being a part of the color guard at Edsel Ford and this year I finally got to be a part of the color guard. I remember one year I went to the homecoming game and I watched those girls spin the flags in their cool outfits and I told myself that one day that is going to be me out there on that field performing. I’m so happy that I decided to join because I got the opportunity to be a part of the EFHS color guard. It has been an amazing experience. Being able to learn some wonderful techniques and dance moves with stars and flags was challenging, but rewarding.
I have also made some new friends along the way. I’m just so proud of myself for trying something new. I never knew I would even like color guard and when I officially did join It ended up being so much fun. Color guard is one of those sports that I want to continue in college as I get older. So come out and support our 2023 Marching Thunderbirds at our last performance.
