By Denise Melone
After an amazing season in 2013-2014, the Newsome marching band is now ready to take on the most famous bike race in the world.
When asked about this year’s program, Band Director Michael J. Miller said, “Le Tour is a musical and visual representation of the famed bike race, Tour de France. The music is fast paced and moves the listener through the various stages of the race. The color guard members represent a pack of racers, working together to advance the team.”
During this year’s performance, the 35 members of the Newsome color guard will have to balance more than their flags when they take the field on bicycles. This innovative addition to an already exciting show is sure to be a competition winning crowd pleaser.
Similar to last year’s addition of secretly putting on vampire capes in the middle of the bands’ “Immortal” show, the progression of the story and choreography each season is intriguing. No two performances are the same. To be a spectator and watch the piece evolve into an award winning performance is an incredible experience.
Angela Macias, excited about the start of the season, said, “Each year I look forward to watching the show develop, but this year is extra special as this is my daughter Emily’s fourth and final season.” This will also be Angela’s fourth and final year of dedication to the Newsome band boosters. She currently serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors.
Joyce Hoehn-Parish, who will also be serving her last year as the President of the boosters, said, “I am eagerly 
anticipating this year’s show. The theme and pace of Le Tour is going to make this a fun and memorable year. What a great way for seniors, like my daughter Julia, to wrap up their high school year with the Newsome band.”
The practice schedule for these devoted marching band members is intense. The committed students and staff have been practicing since the beginning of July in order to perfect their show. Undaunted by the brutal heat of the summer sun, the students are currently enduring ambitious two week band camp from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., which started the end of July.
To generate interest and excitement about music programs at Newsome, such as the marching band, Miller offered the first summer camp this year for middle school students which afforded them the opportunity to be trained by professional music instructors. Newsome band students and moms volunteered their efforts in order to make the camp a success, and Miller said he hopes to double the size next year.
It takes hours of commitment and discipline in order to have an award winning and successful season. Last year, under the leadership and guidance of Miller, as well as the time, talent and dedication of many individuals, the Newsome band and color guard program did just that. Some outstanding accomplishments included the Newsome Marching band winning “Best Overall Effect” at the Florida Marching Band Coalition (FMBC) and advancing to the finals where they won fourth place overall in the state.
With the tireless effort of Ryan Marsh, Indoor Percussion took first place at the Boca Raton Winter Guard International (WGI) regional finals and for the first time ever in Newsome’s history, went on to perform at the WGI World Championship in Dayton, Ohio.
Newsome Winter Guard, under the direction of Melissa Allen, achieved an impressive first place overall at the Florida Federation of Color Guards (FFCC) Regional Competition. This accomplishment is made greater by the fact that at the end of the season, the team was promoted to a more competitive, higher ranking division, where they still dominated.
The band is in need of about 20 bikes and is requesting donations from the community of any used adult mountain or racing bikes. They don’t have to be pretty. The bikes will be painted so they just need to be working.
Individuals who are able to donate are asked to e-mail nhswolfpackband @gmail.com with contact information and someone will be happy to pick it up.
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