by Sylvia Larson, GHS Senior and Garretson Gazette Intern
The distant thump of percussion, the high-pitched noise of a flute, that unmistakable low brass sound; it’s not hard to tell when the marching band is out and about.
The Garretson middle school and high school marching band, headed by Mr. Nick Sittig, has had quite an impressive track record the last few years. In 2015 and 2016 they stayed in the first through third place range, and this year was no exception.
“The band puts in a lot of hours,” said Sittig. “We start working on the song after the spring concert.”
The band also has a plethora of early morning practices, much to their chagrin. Anyone who lives on or near the streets surrounding the school has probably heard them blaring about one time or another.
The season started in September. They headed to Arlington, SD on the 28th, where they placed first. At the second meet in Luverne, only two days later, they placed third. The Luverne meet has a history of having the most intense competition of the whole season.
On October 6 Garretson headed to Chester, ready to face the blistering rain and winds. Fortunately, the competition was moved inside and focused more on the music rather than the performance. They placed second. Their last meet, where they placed second a second time on October 13th, was in Volga.
Mr. Sittig speaks very highly of the performers, claiming that they are the sole reason for their major successes. He also cites the choice of music for this year's performances: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with a Wizard of Oz theme.
“We’re doing things that judges like,” he said. “Judges don’t like being bored. You don’t have a lot of bands doing a softer, slower, ballad song out on the street, [so I chose] something different. I think we pulled it off very well.”
Although marching band season is officially over, Garretson still has a heaping handful of musical activities to enjoy; including various seasonal concerts and pep band at the winter/spring sports events.
Band has proven time and time again to be one of the school’s most valuable assets, full of some of its most talented students.
