Sticks and Stones
As the Licking Valley Marching Band starts the competition season most of the student body will probably be wondering “what is this show is all about.” This year’s show is a very touching, uniting show. One of the songs the band plays is “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night.” Th
is song is dedicated to survivors of child abuse and is meant to show the emotions felt by a survivor. One other song the band plays is “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sara Brightman. This song is performed as the ending tune. “Time to Say Goodbye” is meant to show unity across the band as a strong melody is held between the trumpets, clarinets, mellophones.
The Prowler interviewed Mr.Bradley to get the inside scoop. Bradley was inspired to write the show because “the music and story is beautiful, I love bands that tell stories. I think what we do is great and I want it to be a positive impact on the community.” He also explained the first song “Time To Say Goodbye” was inspired by his wife “used to walk around the kitchen singing it all the time, and there is another group that used it as an anti-violence anthem.” The first time the band performed the show Friday the 8th of September after the football game, Bradley also said “it was the first time we performed [in public] and for people to already be touch on an emotional level, I truly believe this can change a person's life.” Mr.Bradley has written eight other shows for the Licking Valley Band. The band has been undefeated six years now.
In Sticks and Stones, band members are featured in a swing flag moment alongside the color guard. Bradley explained his motivation was to show “the idea was that anybody can be apart of what we do.” This statement goes a long way in expressing the fact that anyone can achieve anything as hope grows and support from others takes part.
The band will be taking on Bands Of America Canton this weekend and many other competitions after that. If you would like to see them perform, the home competition is on September 30th at the football field, at 10 p.m.
