Rapid growth in the Monterey High School band program, as they prepare for something new.
Band Director Dr. Jerry Buttrum said this summer, the band has been working on preparing a marching band show for the first time in some 40 years. Buttrum said the installation of the show was a growth of culture, as students have learned how to march with a band.
“It does take them a little bit of time to understand the movement that we do with music,” Buttrum said. “But they have caught on to that very quickly. And then getting them to understand the movement that is within the music, in what parts do you move and which parts do you not move.”
Buttrum said his goal is for the band to perform part of their show at halftime of the first home football game in less than 10 days, as well as play in the stands at sporting events. Buttrum said this year’s show will be themed around the music of Bon Jovi.
Buttrum said the band is slowly building other elements of the program, as they have been able to purchase marching uniforms and new instruments through grants and donations.
Buttrum said the band has shown a lot of improvement this summer. He said it is amazing that the students have progressed enough to field a marching band with such limited experience.
“Typically, students have three to four years in a middle school setting before they even march at the high school setting,” Buttrum said. “So our students here at Monterey are doing it with one year or fewer. Less than a year, really. Their willingness to focus and to be able to make this happen is truly amazing to watch.
In year two of the Monterey band program, Buttrum said he hopes to support the community. He said he hopes to showcase every part of the music program, and he is excited to see how the community welcomes them in. Buttrum said the support between the community and the band is a two way street.
“By showing our community that we want to be a part of this and that we want to support the community of Monterey and Putnam County, hopefully they will want to help us as well when we have our needs or growth,” Buttrum said. “Like new instruments, and we need help with purchasing uniforms. And for us to be able to go and do these things, we would need money for travel.”
Buttram said the community support has already been outstanding. In addition to donations for marching uniforms, community members have stepped up to provide students with lunch during this summer’s band camp. Buttrum said he is grateful for the early out pour of community support.
