Band students from Silver Spring Intermediate School and Templeton Middle School visited Grove Stadium at Hamilton High School on October 13 for a Community Day marching band performance aimed at encouraging younger musicians to continue their music education into high school.
The Hamilton School District reported that the annual field trip has become a tradition within its band program, helping spark lasting appreciation for music and the arts among younger students. Hamilton High School Director of Instrumental Music Jon Waite provided educational insights into the instruments and music during the performance.
After the performance, several high school musicians connected directly with visiting intermediate and middle school students to share their experiences. Sophomore Autumn Phillips told younger audience members that joining marching band helps students build community, make friends and feel less nervous about entering high school. Phillips recalled attending the same performance before high school and said the activity made her high school experience significantly better.
Waite noted that not all performing students wore traditional marching band uniforms, with some wearing sports jerseys and club shirts. He said the program wants to showcase that students can participate in marching band while staying involved in multiple activities simultaneously.
For more information, visit hamilton.k12.wi.us.