Three Appleton high school marching bands performed together on the same field for the first time Wednesday, WLUK reported. Appleton North, West, and East each showcased their field shows to one another and to eighth grade band students from area middle schools.
WLUK reported that the directors at the three schools collaborate throughout the year and wanted a low-stress opportunity for students to present work they developed over the summer. Appleton North director of bands Amanda Perkins told WLUK the event helped students support each other and introduced younger players to high school marching band.
According to WLUK, middle schoolers were invited to march with the bands and experience high school-level routines firsthand. Appleton East director Margaret LaFleur told the station the activity addresses concerns among younger students that high school band is too difficult, emphasizing that anyone can participate and that music is lifelong.
WLUK reported that students said the showcase served as outreach to peers hesitant about joining. Appleton East member Thomas Guif told WLUK that band participation declined after COVID-19 and that the event helped younger students see what the activity involves. Fellow student Jack Swartout told WLUK that students can participate in sports and other extracurriculars while remaining in band.
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