Marching band performs show at GPAC

By Curtis Henderson
Staff Writer

The air echoed with notes and the floor trembled from the rhythm of the drums as UNCP’s Spirit of the Carolinas Marching Band performed at the GPAC on Nov. 5.

The exhibition started with a serenade from two baritones and two tubas from onstage. They were quickly followed by the remaining brass instrument players, and eventually joined in by the woodwind instrument players who marched eagerly onstage. Once they were all assembled, a perfectly executed formation was created right before the audience’s eyes.

The band’s first piece was Chaconne (first Suite in Eb) by Gustav Holst, arranged by Michael Raiber, a music director at Oklahoma State University and Tracy Wiggins, the marching band director. It was a slow-tempo tune, with many crescendos for the crowd’s satisfaction. The horn-line was in perfect sync.

As the concert continued, the flag-line made its presence known. They burst onto the stage to the sound of a song that was played to show the talent of the flag-line. This group of flag spinners twirled, and did releases easily with their flags.

Next, the drum-line was given the chance to really excite the crowd. They performed Drumline Symphony. Cheers and rants roared through the performing arts center as these drummers showed intensity and liveliness as they pounded their instruments.

The marching band ended the concert with the upbeat Big Noise from Winnetka, arranged by Wiggins. The song was a medley of crowd favorites that totally maximized the enjoyment of the crowd. Screams and applauses were heard from the audience.

Senior music major Keith Oxendine who plays the snare drums said he joined the marching band because he has been in a marching band since his freshman year of high school. “I hope the marching band finally gets on the field, and does field shows,” he said. The band practices Mondays and Wednesdays for two hours.