Battle of the Brass Bands in the Phillipines
December 31, 2007
Battle of brass bands seen as top tourist attraction
MANILA, Philippines—Every year, a joyous kind of “battle” rages in Silang, Cavite.
As the town celebrates its fiesta (a three-day revelry that starts on Feb. 1), residents line the streets to watch dozens of brass bands play rousing music as a prelude to a competition that is marked by frenzy and excitement.
“People here are crazy over these bands. It’s because we all grew up in a community that has a colorful history of joining brass bands,” said Lito Belamide, a long-time resident whose clan is known for having formed the first brass band in Silang.
Ball High band may drop high-stepping style
December 30, 2007
By Rhiannon Meyers
(Source The Daily News) Published December 30, 2007
GALVESTON — The Ball High Golden Tornado Band sometimes appears to be two marching bands.
Half the time, band members march high-step — a high-energy dancing technique featured in the movie “Drum Line” and popularized by historically African-American universities like Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern.
But other times, typically around state marching band competitions, the band switches gears to corps-style marching, a traditional style featuring flags and twirlers.
It is used by most Texas marching bands, including the one at The University of Texas.
The styles are “apples and oranges,” said Austin Middle School band director Doyle Neuwiller.
However, the tale of two bands may soon meet its end.
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Townview High School Trip to China in Danger
December 28, 2007
01:40 PM CST on Friday, December 28, 2007 Fundraising problems may force students in the Big D Marching Band at Dallas’ Townview magnet school to scrap plans to participate in a pre-Olympics festival in China this summer.
The band – regarded as one of the area’s best – has raised about $60,000 for the trip, primarily through student-led fundraisers. But it needs to raise $500,000 more in the next few months to meet deposit deadlines, said band leaders, who hope supporters of the arts around the city will make the trip possible.
“If something substantial doesn’t come through shortly, I don’t see how we are going to make it happen for the kids,” band director Dean Hill said.
