On September 28th, the Rattler Regiment will be taking the field for the first time under a new direction. The 2024 Program, titled Imagine, contains music from City Trees by Michael Marcousici, and Pure Imagination by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. We asked the Director Mr. Malone what the thought process behind Imagine was and his response was, “We had narrowed it down to the concept of imagination. We decided to explore what it means to everyone individually, exploring through music and famous quotes by Walt Disney and Albert Einstein.” Most Directors will tell you they just write the show and the students bring it to life, so we asked members of the band what the show means to them.
“With our hope leaving with our last director this show represents the hope a new band director is bringing us and that marching band is about fun and not just winning” – Neomie, Senior
“The imagination I lacked as a child” – Tristin, Senior
“Pride, Imagining equality, rainbows, painting, making our own reality” – Charlz, Junior
“It reminds me of my childhood when I was a wee lad” -Aubree, Sophmore
To go along with their fresh program, the Rattler Regiment has received new uniforms! This will be their first full season wearing the uniforms including a modern design with removable sleeves to keep them cool in the blazing-hot Arizona sun and customizable features like detachable front panels on the shakos and buttons on each pant leg to turn hemming into a breeze. With their stylish new fluffy plumes, the Rattler Regiment will be competing in style this year.
The Rattler Regiment spends countless hours preparing for their shows, beginning their season in July and completing a two-week Bandcamp that was from 3 pm to 9 pm every weekday. Since the start of the school year, they rehearse every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm and Mondays after school. They rehearse late at night to avoid the heat and use the football field after the football team. You may not be able to go to their competitions but you can see them at every home football game, including tonight where they’ll be debuting their new uniforms! This year they have been jumping at every opportunity to play their show in front of an audience to avoid stage fright, so cheer them on when you see them Tonight!
If you want a chance to see our Rattler Regiment compete, head to one of their seven shows! In the past, the band has competed in a circuit called AZMBA, which stands for Arizona Marching Band Association, but this year they’ll be taking on two circuits, Azmba and Aboda, standing for Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association. Since they are competing in the two circuits they will be going to twice as many competitions and two sets of championships. If you bump into or know any members wish them luck this weekend and come to the Football game to see them at halftime Tonight!
