26 JANUARY 2018 ArcAd A News MARCH ON By Elaina Verhoff T o say 2017 has been a banner year for the Arcadia High School Marching Band would be a major understatement. Its success this year has been nothing short of historic. In 2012, Arcadia had no marching band at all. In November, the school’s marching band earned First Prize State Title in the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) State Division III Championships at ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium. The achievement is made even more impressive because, while competing against top bands in the state, the Arcadia marching band earned the top prize with the highest first place score in Division III history. A week earlier, the band also claimed first place in the Arizona Marching Band Association (AZMBA) 2A State Competition at Campo Verde High School. “It was a great feeling (to win),” said band director Jan Gardner said. “I probably held back the tears a little bit. I was ecstatic for them.” This program has come a long way from its humble beginnings not too long ago. So how did a concert band who used to show up and play on the side of the field at district marching exhibitions just four years ago become an award-winning marching band? The answer is hard work, dedication and a creative and inspiring band director, Mr. Jan Gardner, who found a way to connect with his students and inspire them to dream big. “Gardner is an amazing director,” said Sharon Flint, Arcadia instrumental booster president, and mother of Arcadia juniors and marching band members Brady and Ryan. “His talents are endless and his dedication to the program and these kids is way beyond anything I have ever seen. Without him, there would be no show.” Gardner says it was a gradual process to transform the young musicians into a competitive marching band. He started by bringing the members to watch other marching bands perform and compete, so the students could see what they were looking to do. “The first year was about trying to get them to look like a marching band,” he explained. “We modified existing uniforms to make them like we wanted. We changed the hat, removed the gauntlet, and made it a sleeker looking uniform.” Coordinated marching came next. Gardner had to get the students to understand first that they had to move, and next, how to move. He got them to feel the beat, and to march onto the field, but they weren’t quite ready to play and march at the same time. “We were taking baby steps and doing what we could,” he said The second year, the band got into competition. “That was the year I tried to make it a little more interesting for them,” Gardner said. The perceptive director got the kids excited to compete by choosing an Egyptian themed show and swapping out the band uniform for an Egyptian costume from Party City. Props and a Color Guard were added, and on competition day, the band missed going to the state competition by just three points, earning a score of 57 instead of the required 60. Year three, Gardner developed a show set Arcadia high marching band takes first in state PHOTO BY JAMES MARTIN

27 JANUARY 2018 Arc A d A News to music from the video game World of Warcraft. Although another score of 57 haunted the team, momentum was building. In year four, the director stepped it up and bought a more elaborate production and the kids were thrilled with the space-themed show. Arcadia came in 2 nd place at the ABODA competition, setting the stage for this year. This year’s award-winning program, “Statuesque” featured a scene set in a serene European garden with six marble statues on pedestals, played by the Arcadia Color Guard. As the band plays, and the music builds with intensity, the statues come to life, play, dance, and fall in love, ultimately returning to their pedestals to the gentle sound of the vibraphone from the front ensemble. “All along, I have been telling them you are capable of anything,” said Gardner. “You have to just trust me because I know how to get you there. We need to work hard to get to the level we need to be.” Arcadia High School went from having no marching band at all in 2012, to five years later winning the state championship. It was a great feeling (to win). I probably held back the tears a little bit. I was ecstatic for them.” — Jan Gardner, AHS band director 602.840.ROOF (7663) ◆ www.arcadiaroofingaz.com Wishing you wonderful holidays and a happy new year from our family to yours! ARCADIA ROOFING For Quality & Excellence ROC #K42-234021