RAPID CITY- These
high school performers spend long hours of practice, honing the
moves in the proper sequence until they're almost reflex in
preparation for the night of the big game.
This sounds like
any gridiron team getting ready for a typical football Friday
night, but it also refers to any high school marching
band.
The Rapid City
Stevens Blue Raider Marching Band started practicing their "Carmen
in Seville" half-time show before school started in August and then
debuted the routine at Friday night's homecoming football clash
with Watertown.
Director Don Downs
said his 80-plus member band practiced 1-1/2 hours a day, five days
a week to prepare for the five-minute show, along with the band's
pre-game show.
"It's an ordeal for
the kids to learn the notes and learn the steps," Downs
said.
The Raider band's
drum majors are seniors Justin Fox and Josh Miller. Flag Captains
are Sarah Johnson and Nicole Taylor.
Joining Downs are
directors George Dragoo and Gary Hansen.
The Raiders'
football team fell to Watertown in a defensive battle
20-7.
