Avella band makes splash
AVELLA – The 41 members of the Avella marching band lurch stiffly onto the field, the plumes of their hats swaying in the night breeze, their instruments wobbling from side to side.
Drum major Catie Fluharty takes her place before them, the long, black duster she wears swishing across each step as she ascends the platform.
Before a note has been played or a flag has been twirled, a black ship rolls into view, smoke billowing from its wooden frame.
“Avast, ye scallywags,” booms a voice over the loudspeaker.
The crowd – many of whom have witnessed this spectacle before – cheer in anticipation. They know what they are about to see is not a run-of-the-mill halftime production.
“Ours is a full-performance show,” said Tim Richards, pirate announcer and proud band dad.
With their “Black Pearl,” pyrotechnics and striking costumes, Avella’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” show is making quite a splash.
“We’re a small band, but we get so many compliments,” said Holly Riley, president of the Avella marching band boosters. “I get stopped all of the time. People say, ‘I heard about your show.'”
Every year, band director Nick Deutsch selects the theme of the show, always keeping possible props in mind.
“The first thing we thought of was a ship,” Deutsch said. “We weren’t sure if we could pull it off.”
Deutsch and four band dads pulled it off, constructing a 17-foot-long, 14-foot-high collapsable vessel that (just barely) fits into the band’s trailer. Painted mermaids adorn its sides. In honor of the school’s mascot, an eagle adorns the prow, carved by band grandfather Tom Roberts.
If the size of the ship doesn’t impress, the fog machine, strobe lights and fireworks on board do.
“The fireworks really grab everyone’s attention,” said Sarah Maidment, a senior clarinetist.
“The first time we did (the show) was the most fun I’ve ever had performing,” said Fluharty.
The fireworks and visual spectacle garner awed reactions, but Deutsch credits the precision and volume of the music and movements with earning audience respect.
“Everyone is surprised by the sound we put out with just 31 musicians,” Deutsch said. “These kids work hard.”
Band camp – a notoriously rigorous rehearsal period – begins the third week of July. In addition to 10 football games, the band performs at fairs, festivals and parades.
“It’s a team,” said Riley of the band, parents and faculty. “It’s very much a community atmosphere.”
The last home Avella football game is 7 p.m. Friday.