Competitions in Indianapolis, Pasadena await O’Fallon High School Marching Panthers
Preparation meets destination: Indiana and California. As they return to routine, the O’Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers have had a successful fall so far in competition.
However, two of their biggest challenges await — the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis Thursday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Nov. 13, and another appearance as one of the 15 marching bands in the 108th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.
Currently, 224 students are scheduled to travel to Pasadena, with 25 staff members and chaperones making the trip too. This does not include all the friends and family who intend to be on hand to cheer on the marching band.
The Rose Parade, which will kick off at 10 a.m. CST on Jan. 1, 2022, is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition for millions around the world. The parade route is 5.5 miles down Colorado Boulevard and this year’s grand marshal is actor LeVar Burton.
The theme this year is: “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” Robert Miller, executive committee president, said it celebrates education’s ability to open doors, open minds and change lives.
“Education paves the path to success with a world of opportunities achieved through knowledge, compassion and determination. Education is the great equalizer,” he said. “As a community college educator, I have seen firsthand the life-changing miracle that education provides. As students visualize their future, education becomes the bridge to accomplish their aspirations and transform lives for generations to come.”
Miller has been to O’Fallon — including riding in the City Fest parade — and is eager for the band’s return.
The Rose Parade describes the O’Fallon band this way:
“The OTHS Band Program has a long tradition of musical excellence dating back over 70 years, known for its high quality, comprehensive music education. Nearly half of the students’ parents work on the Scott Air Force Base as civilians, military personnel, or are deployed. Their performances include the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Carnegie Hall, and at the Hollywood Parade (2018). The 2022 Rose Parade will be their second time marching down Colorado Blvd.”
Bands Across America
The Indiana competition this coming weekend is considered the country’s premier marching band event and is presented by Yamaha.
“First and foremost an educational performance and evaluation opportunity, registration is open to all high school marching bands. Grand Nationals is a celebration of musical excellence that also includes an expo, all in the spectacular Lucas Oil Stadium, which was designed with marching music performances in mind,” BOA states on its website.
A maximum of 118 bands can participate in the three-day preliminary, semifinals and finals event, with 30 advancing to the semifinals and 12 of those bands making it to the finals.
“It is THE big one for us. Top bands from across the country come to this event. This year will be incredibly tough with top ranked national bands,” said Sarah Dobecki, a band parent and coordinator of the 40th annual O’Fallon Band Boosters Art and Craft Fair which took place this past weekend.
All craft fair proceeds directly support the OTHS bands and color guard programs.
The Marching Panthers placed in the finals at the Bands of America St. Louis event Oct. 22-23, ranking ninth (and the only Illinois band to do so, among powerhouses in Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Missouri).
Last month, they also were named the Grand Champion and 3A champion and won for auxiliary, music, visual and general effects at Lincoln-Way on Oct. 16 and were class and Grand Champions at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Competition on Oct. 30, hosted by the Belleville East and West bands.
Additional marching band events
This year, the marching band is participating in five events, and performed an exhibition at their own Metro East Marching Classic. This past summer, they won the marching band competition in the VP Fair Parade.
Additionally, they have done well with their show, “Rewriting Reality,” which incorporates the fine arts — music, art and dance. It uses the creative themes of the music and video to a-ha’s “Take on Me” song from 1984 and includes Elton John’s “Funeral for a Friend,” plus music from Cirque du Soleil and composer Aaron Guidry.
The theme is carried over into the outfits, which suggest blueprints and pencil-sketch animation, much like the innovative music video does that received wide exposure on MTV and won six awards at the 1986 MTV Music Video Awards.
Dobecki praised the band for its athletic abilities as well as the creativity of all involved. Band director Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, aka “Dr. G,” goes above and beyond, she said, as does the assistant director Phillip Carter.
More about Rose Bowl parade
Appearing in several college bowl games and parades over the years, the Tournament of Roses Parade this January is O’Fallon’s opportunity to again represent the state of Illinois and a huge endeavor.
To that end, Dobecki explained the craft fair technically does not fund the Pasadena trip.
“However, they do go toward instructor fees, uniforms, show props, and all the other things that make Pasadena possible,” she said.