Members of the Jamestown High School Marching Band practice at Jamestown High School Thursday. P-J photo by Valory S. Isaacson

The Jamestown High School Marching Band held its free Community Preview Night Thursday where band members began to perfect the routine they will be using to compete against other schools later in the year.

The event showcased what families and community members can expect from the JHS Marching Band in the upcoming season. The band began initial rehearsals in June, but the bulk of the work performed Thursday was learned earlier this week during the Band Intensive Week. Band members are currently prepping for the 2018 Fall Festival of Bands on Sept. 15 at Strider Field where they will compete against eight other schools for the first time this season.

“The kids have been working really hard this week,” said Meghan Murray, JHS band director. “This is our big camp week where we learn the majority of our show so this is the start of the whole season.”

Drum majors Carley Westphal, JHS senior and Dylan Lydell, JHS Junior, were excited prior to the community preview for Thursday’s performance and the upcoming season. The band was scheduled to perform about two thirds of their routine for community members. The band also displayed their warm up routine for the audience as Murray provided details for each segment.

Lydell said the community preview was originally exclusive for family members, but was changed to incorporate the entire Jamestown community.

He explained the change was made to offer the band’s supporters in the community a glimpse into the JHS Marching Band experience.

The JHS Marching Band’s theme for the year is titled “Canon” based on composer Johann Pachelbel’s work known as “Pachelbel’s Canon.” In reference to music, a canon is a technique implemented involving a melody that is then followed by various imitations of the first melody.

Westphal noted that much of what was shown Thursday will be performed for the duration of season leading into the championship competition in October. The marching band will then perform at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse for the New York State Field Band Conference Championships.