“Everybody moves at the same time — you are a unit,” instructed Bart Pillen, speaking to over 100 students at Rochelle Township High School’s band camp early Monday.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
ROCHELLE — “Everybody moves at the same time — you are a unit,” instructed Bart Pillen, speaking to over 100 students at Rochelle Township High School’s band camp early Monday.
Pillen was directing students through marching drills complete with proper stepping techniques, emphasizing the importance of uniformity in the group.
RTHS Music Director Ron Duval said he along with Pillen, Pam Wachowski, and Paul Madere teach the students during the weeklong camp.
“The camp helps to build uniformity…everyone acts as a unit and it instills showmanship,” said Ron Duval, RTHS music director. “The freshmen students learn what has been established for years. During the camp the students learn the music and drills together along with the sets and the formation.”
Following the camp, the students will give a preview performance on Friday evening at 6:30 in the RTHS stadium to family and friends. The band will perform to the music of Elvis Presley.
“This is my 34th year with band camp,” Duval said. “When I came here in 1984 all of this was organized and established already. Each year I have a former student return to help with the camp too.”
Duval said the students typically practice outside in the mornings, then head indoors for music practice with late afternoon outside again.