'Surround Sound' Brings Marching Band Entertainment Indoors (Video)

The marching band was left with no option but to cancel their biggest show of the school year in October when an unexpected snowstorm left out in the dark.

They are not about to be denied the opportunity to play in front of their hometown fans again.

Members of the marching band practiced furiously for five hours on Thursday night, making sure every note was perfect and every step properly choreographed as they prepared for the opening of the indoor extravaganza, “Surround Sound.”

“We were surprised when we learned that we were going to get the chance to do this. We missed out on ‘Music of the Knight’ and weren’t told about this show until our end of season banquet (in mid-November),” said senior Nick Frega. “When he told us, we stood up shouting. We’re excited for this.”

Jeff Shaw said it has been a tough year for members of the marching band, who have watched as weather and other factors cancelled their biggest performances of the year. Morale was low, but Shaw had one more trick up his sleeve to help provide a hometown performance for the band: “Surround Sound.”

“Surround Sound” is a performance that incorporates the outdoor marching style with an indoor stage performance. The show is held in the tradition of the Broadway shows "Blast," "Stomp" and "Drumline LIVE.”

Surround Sound is a unique musical theater of choreographed percussion, brass, color guard, movement and marching that features over 70 performers and a variety of musical styles.

“The students have worked hard for this and they are excited to get out there and perform. We anticipate a large crowd at each of our two shows,” Shaw said.

Frega and senior Robin Buttery said the performance hasn’t come without its challenges. Many members, including Buttery, have changed instruments for the indoor performance and will need to focus on their new talents even during off-performance hours to fine-tune their craft.

Buttery said the trade off is worth it, however, to have the opportunity to play at home.

“It’s been nice to learn new things and even better to be able to teach new instruments and talents to some of the underclassmen,” she said. “There’s a lot that goes into this and it will be fun to be able to showcase what we’ve been working on.”

Parents Joanne Kelleher, who has provided press information for the event, and Pam Brush each said they have seen previous “Surround Sound” shows – the last one was held in early 2009 – and are looking forward to this performance.

Brush will watch her son, Brian Lezowski, as he shows off his new instrument, the trombone. She said the group as a whole has worked hard to get redy for this show.

“This is nice. They deserve the attention,” she said.

The shows will be held tonight, March 2, and Saturday, March 3. Both performances will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets will be sold at the door. Attendees should come early as the shows are expected to sell out, Kelleher said.