Black Knight marching band is gearing up for the season

Pajama pants, tank tops, old ratty T-shirts, unmatched socks, and shorts will all be replaced soon with red, black and white uniforms as the Franklin Black Knight Marching Band begins its season on the opening night of football August 25.

Director Steve Johnston said this will be a fairly routine year with no big planned trips, though they will be fundraising for another trip to Washington D.C in 2025.

He said just ask a band member about the fundraisers and how you can get your hands on  frozen cookie dough before Thanksgiving to enjoy whenever you need a chocolate chip cookie fix.

​They will also hold an October hoagie sale and a couple more fundraisers in the spring. The fundraisers help with several band needs. But the main purpose is to help provide what Johnston calls "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" - marching in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. So they are looking for lots of hoagie loving, cookie craving, music supporting friends to get ahold of a band member to support their efforts. 

As for this year's schedule, the Pride of Pennsylvania will make a smaller trip up north to perform at an Erie Otters game. They are also expected to help support their friends in Oil City by participating in the annual Music in Oil Country, which begins at 7 p.m. on Sept. 9.

They will make their annual visits to downtown Franklin Applefest and Light Up Night.

"Applefest is always one of my favorite performances because we get to proudly represent our hometown in front of thousands of people in one of the most picturesque settings possible," Johnston said.

Johnston is very proud of his kids and how they work hard in summer band camp to be ready for when the bleachers are full of people at halftime of games all season.

​"As always, the Franklin High School Black Knight Marching Band presents one of the most entertaining and energetic marching band shows in the country, " Johnston said. This year's halftime show will include  "Shout It Out," "Feel It Still," "Poker Face," "Hot Hot Hot" and "I’m Shipping Up To Boston." 

Johnston said they'll likely have other music they'll throw in the mix as well.

Johnston sees the future as a growing opportunity for Franklin and Rocky Grove musicians. COVID and a smaller than usual group coming through the elementary school has shrunk the Black Knight's to a modest 90 members. Generally they are well over 100 members. He doesn't think it will hinder the power of the performances. 

Powerful percussion and famed white boots of the band front will still be front and center.

Earlier this week Johnston and his assistants were fine tuning the routines.

Johnston, with only about as long as it takes to perform a song left in practices, yelled down from the bleachers where he was watching the lineups and movement. "I know you're hot; I know you're tired and I know we haven't done this much yet, but I just want to run through 'Poker Face' once. I know it's going to be rough, but let's do it before we go."

Not a single moan could be heard from the bleachers. The squad just got into position and waited for the signal to go. When they were done Johnston, who the band affectionately calls J, yelled down to them, "Wow, that actually wasn't that bad."

"Percussion, I know you are the target of my wrath, most of the time," Johnston also said. "But I am proud of you. That was really good. Keep it up."

"Percussionists are an interesting breed who need that 'extra attention'," Johnston joked later when asked about the comment. Johnston's bands have been long known for their powerful drums and blasting horns.

Not to mention the well choreographed Silks and Knightettes. 

On August 25, the band play the National Anthem before the Knight football home opener at 7 p.m. against Titusville. They will debut their halftime routine that night as well.