The second week of Band Camp at Highland Park High School has now started with a shift of focus; endurance. As their March-A-Thon 5K quickly approaches the marching band students have to make sure they can sustain high toes and perfect form for long periods of time. Not only are they prepping for March-A-Thon, they also have to look at the big picture, the "Halftime Show" for football season. All students received their coordinate cards detailing where they have to be at every second of the eight minute long show. All the students are assigned specific coordinate cards either Junior Varsity or Varsity. Varsity students will be the ones performing in the contest and the halftime show; and the Junior Varsity will be in this years visual crew with new unique props. The stress on these students ramps up as everyone is hustling and perfecting their moves and sound. Not only do they have to look good, but they have to sound spectacular with no music in front of them.  Every day they have to memorize 15-20 measures of music. The students march for 4-5 hours a day, five days a week.

This week spotlights are John Clifford, a junior (and the brass captain); Dylan Wolford, a sophomore; and Sydney McDuffie, a varsity freshman (an extreme honor) and recipient of the "Beast of The Week". These students give 100% effort every second of every day helping others and making the band a true family.

John Clifford has always been a varsity marcher and is one of the top five best marchers in the Highlander Band. Watch out for his flawless toes-up and ideal upperbody positon. John was section leader last year, and is now captain overseeing even more people. John plays tuba and is a close second chair in the top band. His positive attitude and firm leadership make him a good role model for the underclassmen.

Dylan Wolford is the most improved sophomore. She moved from second band to second chair in first band which is a tough competition. She plays clarinet and is Sophomore Representative for the Highlander Band. Dylan oversees the freshmen and welcomes them and works to lift their spirits. During the March-A-Thon watch out for her improving maintenance of a constant height while marching.

Sydney McDuffie plays tuba which weighs 35 pounds and for a freshman girl to keep that lifted and to stay relaxed is impressive in itself. She also holds a record for being the first female tuba player in the band. Sydney is a very hard worker and is one of the few freshmen this year to receive a varsity spot; the reason being is that her upper body is spot-on perfection. Last week she won "Beast Of The Week" meaning she was the most improved and efficient freshman, a coveted title by all students. Those of you going to watch the March-A-Thon, look out for Sydney - the girl with impressive endurance.

All-in-all, each student in the Highlander Band brings something different and unique to the closeknit family. Make sure to catch the action of the first annual March-A-Thon on August 16th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, and cheer on the Highlander Band as they begin this new tradition. All donations will go to the visuals and props for the show for this and later years. To contibute online, go to: www.hphsband.com/fundraising -- and click on “Donate”.  You can also elect to provide a name on the second page by PayPal where it says, “Add special instructions to the seller”, so that your gift will go toward a specific student's goal. The Highlander Band is recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization so they will provide you with a receipt of your donation for your records. Any amount of donation is extremely appreciated. Many thanks in advance for your contributions.

-Let the music continue to please all who hear it-

**Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are mine as a member of the Highlander Band**