Great Falls Public Schools has formed its first combined marching band with students from Great Falls High and C.M. Russell High School, The Electric reported. About 50 students attended a four-day August band camp and will rehearse twice weekly through Oct. 22.
The ensemble will perform during both schools’ homecoming events and at the Oct. 23 Crosstown football game. Eighth-grade band students will be invited to that performance to learn about the marching program.
Startup costs are being paid through a permanent arts fund within the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation. The fund, established this year using a previously received $1 million gift, supports performing- and visual-arts programs. District fine arts supervisor Dusty Molyneaux said the money is covering windshirt uniforms, equipment and transportation.
The combined program is extracurricular, allowing students to participate without conflicting with sports. Students must remain in good standing in their school band programs. Organizers hope participation grows and may add a color guard. C.M. Russell band director Chris Kloker said sufficiently high participation could require the schools to field separate marching bands again. The group will perform I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston and Walk This Way by Aerosmith.
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