Band camp means school is just around the corner

Thursday's cooler temperatures found band director Steve Johnston smiling as the Franklin High School Black Knight Marching Band continued to fine tune this year's show. 

​With band camp in full swing, Johnston says they are not only gearing up for Friday nights and several Saturday performances, but also the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and the Semiquincentennial celebration in Philadelphia next year.

​"It's because of all the Washington, D.C. parades we did that we were invited," Johnston said. The band has been a frequent participant in the Memorial Day parades in D.C. for many years.

"The Pride of Pennsylvania," as Johnston announces each halftime of the Franklin football games, gets recognized because they deliver time and time again locally and on the national stage.

Closer to home, they will be traveling to Mercer for the first game of the season, before the FHS football home opener in week two. They will be also performing at an Erie Otters game later this year.

This year's band set list includes a lot of new music.

"Our band front is going to do a feature to 'Thunderstruck' using a lot of choreography from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. So we're super excited about that, That is going to be something that is going to be very special and unique to our group."

Johnston emphasized how great this's year's band front is and that they can handle complex routines.

He also noted that while the band overall is younger than in the past, his experienced musicians are among the best he has ever had.

This year's half-time performance has a very special "Easter Egg" salute to the popular kid's toy LEGO. 

Johnston says his numbers are about the same as they were a year ago - in the 80s. Overall the music program is seeing a big uptick at the elementary level, which saw participation decrease during COVID.

It is a good sign for the longevity of the marching band, a program that truly combines several arts - music, dance and visuals - in a unique way.

Your first chance to catch the art in action will be during half-time of the 7 p.m. game at Mercer on Aug. 23. Their home field debut will be during the 7 p.m. game on on Aug. 30.

Last weekend

Deadline extended to Monday