The Cook County High School Band has once again been invited to take part in the Bayfield Apple Festival parade on Sunday, October 7. The 53-member Viking marching band will perform two songs as they march and this year they are throwing in some dancing, choreographed by band member Sarissa Falk. On Monday, October 1, the band practiced by marching up and down Fifth Street (County Road 7).
The Cook County High School Band, under the direction of Kerri Bilben, will once again march in the Bayfield Apple Festival parade on Sunday, October 7 in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The band was invited last year as part of the parade’s 50th anniversary celebration. The students had such an amazing experience they wanted to return again this year.
The band, 53 members strong, has been rehearsing since the first day of school. The band will be performing two numbers as they march, as well as a dance choreographed by senior Sarissa Falk. The drum line, led by seniors Ben Seaton and Sarah Larsen, will perform a new cadence for the band to march and dance to. The drum line will also be using brand new Yamaha drums that were purchased with curriculum monies approved by the school board last spring. These monies have helped the band update many of the old and worn instruments.
The band will once again march in the 500-member Apple Fest Mass Band performing On Wisconsin. This band has been in existence since 1987 when Mrs. Bilben’s dad created it to end the parade with a musical spectacle.
Above: Band Director Kerri Bilben asked Great Expectations School Director Peter James if the band could play for the GES students. James said of course and students were lined up outside the school to see the marching band come down the street. The band performed two songs and Bilben talked a little bit about the musical instruments before the musicians marched back to the band room. Left: Will Seaton and Sarah Larsen are part of the CCHS band drum line. Look for the band during Homecoming week, October 8 – 13 at volleyball and football games.
The parade trip kicks off a busy week for the high school band. Homecoming 2012 starts on Monday, October 8. If you are unable to watch the band perform on Sunday make sure to watch them perform at Tuesday’s volleyball game or at Friday night’s football game. The band loves when the crowd helps them cheer on the team to victory.
This trip to Bayfield is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Power Foundation.
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