Published: September 07, 2008 01:59 am      

44th annual FSHS Band Spectacular Saturday

12 high schools, FSU, WVU set to participate

FAIRMONT — At Fairmont Senior High’s parking lot, band members are in a frenzy to get it right.

With one week left before the annual FSHS Band Spectacular, they’re practicing their notes and their movements, making sure it will all be perfect for the crowds of manic band fans.

The 44th annual spectacular will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at East-West Stadium.

Bands from all over North Central West Virginia will be in attendance, said Shawn Dunn, FSHS band director.

The schedule for the evening includes 14 bands. Twelve are high school bands, including FSHS, the East Fairmont Busy Bee Band & Honeybees and the North Marion High School band. Two college bands will also take the field: Fairmont State University’s band will be there, and the West Virginia University band, the Pride of West Virginia, will cap off the night.

While many people may wonder about all the fuss for some bands, it’s clear to the proud band members that the real fun that takes place on the field is in the ranks of a marching band.

“Outside of athletic events, most people don’t see the bands. You only see them at halftime of the football games,” Dunn said. “This is a chance for the kids to be in the spotlight, to have an audience that’s there to see them.”

According to Dunn, the kids aren’t the only ones making sure it will all be perfect. In order to pull off an event of this magnitude, it takes a legion of parents and volunteers, he said.

The spectacular is hosted by the band’s booster organization. They began planning months in advance, Dunn said.

“On the day of the spectacular, all of our parents will be working in some capacity,” he said.

That includes everything from selling tickets and food to escorting visiting bands and hawking 50/50 tickets.

The spectacular is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the FSHS Band Boosters. Just like everything else, the cost of running a band program is rising.

“The cost of instruments is staggering,” Dunn said. “We had to buy a new tuba this year for more than $5,000.”

Travel expenses are also rising, he said. The Polar Bear band travels to lots of performances, from away games to band shows in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Advance tickets for the 44th Annual FSHS Band Spectacular are $6 and can be purchased at Rider Pharmacy or the Shop ’n Save locations in White Hall and Country Club Road. Tickets at the gate are $7 each.

E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.