There is nothing like a good Hornet Football game and great music on a Friday night. The two go hand in hand. We are proud to have such wonderful student athletes and musicians here in Monroe. The Band’s tradition dates back to 1937 and continues to swell with pride today. The class of 2009 will pass down the bear and the spirit of the band will live on. The Monroe TD Club would like to say thank you to all the band members that help fill our stadium with spirit and great music! Long live the bear!
Here is a Q & A with Band Director Lori Badgett.
Q: How long have you been the band director at Monroe?
A: I have taught music in the Monroe School District for 9 years. This is my 4th year at the marching band director.
Q: Do you teach at the school?
A: This year I teach 5th, 7th, 8th and high school concert bands in addition to marching band.
Q: How many seniors is the band graduating this year?
A: We have 6 seniors who will graduate in 2009.
Q: How many seniors do you expect to have next year?
A: We will probably have 10 seniors next year. Sometimes we have students who choose to go to Butler Tech. or PSEO (post secondary education), which can limit their availability. I am not sure if any of the students have chosen either of these.
Q: How many kids do you expect to have in band next year? Are the numbers increasing?
A: The number of musicians in the marching band has nearly doubled since 2005. I expect between 40 and 50 students will be in the marching band next year. That number includes winds, percussion and auxiliary.
Q: What does it take for someone to get started in the Marching Band?
A: Most of the students have played an instrument in school since 5th grade. Occasionally a student will ask to join who has not played an instrument before. I insist those students study with me or another music teacher over the summer to prepare for the season.
Q: When do you practice and how many hours do you practice each week?
A: We march at events throughout the year so practices vary based upon those events. During football season we begin practicing during the third week of July in the evenings. During the last week of July we rehearse half days at school and go to camp during the first week of August. Between camp and school, we rehearse 2-3 days a week. Once school begins, our regular practice schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2:30-4:30. We also do a short rehearsal prior to the games on Friday.
Q: Are the kids going to any camps this year?
A: We will go to Camp Lebanon in August. We have 4 days of camp. Our rehearsals on music and marching go from 7AM to 3PM (breaks for breakfast and lunch), break/dinner from 3PM to 6PM and rehearse again from 6PM to 9PM. Every night there are activities from 9PM to 11PM then its lights out. There is very little down time at camp. The goal is to have most of our pre- game and halftime shows learned during camp and work to improve them throughout the season.
Q: Will the band compete in any competitions this year?
A: I hope to begin competing this coming year. The students really improved this past year and if they continue to work hard I think we can be competitive in 2009. I am giving serious consideration to attending contests at LaSalle, Roger Bacon and/or Lockland High Schools.
Q: What is the story behind the bear?
A: The bear has become a symbol of the Monroe Marching band. The bear was created at marching camp in 1969 by students within the band. Over the years he has become known to keep the spirit of the band as its mascot. Each year at camp The Bear is handed down to a member of the junior class who will hold the title of “Head Bear” to be the keeper of The Bear and the spirit of the band.
The members of the band stay active all year. Most of the members are also a part of the concert band. Some continue with basketball pep band as well. The marching band performs at parades and events during the year as well. We have marched at the Monroe Homecoming Parade, Monroe’s Christmas Parade, Hamilton Santa Parade, Monroe’s Memorial Day Service, and the past two years has marched two parades on July 4th (Hamilton’s July 4th parade at 2PM, Monroe at 5PM). During football season, the band frequently visits the elementary school along with the football team and cheerleaders and marches the halls to rally support for the team on game days.
