Unique sound, familiar music. The marching band has put their spin on the classic tale of adventure and glory with this year’s show: The Pirates of Braddock. Instrument solos, sword fights and a vocal solo are all unique elements that make this show so special. A mix of both classical and modern music, this show is sure to wow all who get the chance to see it. 

Band members and directors have been working for months to create and prepare their performance. The process begins with the selection of a new show. When deciding, the directors come together based on the students’ suggestions to create a cohesive theme for the following year. While pirates was not the theme that the directors were “kicking around,” Luley said, they built off of different songs and ideas to bring “Pirates of Braddock” to life. 

Once the theme was set, students went through two weeks of intensive training at the end of summer to prepare. The mornings focus on marching, afternoons on sectionals with Armed Services band members, and an hour of playing together in the theater to finish the day off. 

Students can see this culminating effort at Friday Night Lights as the band takes the field during halftime. The show opens with music from 1935 film Captain Blood, moving into “Hoist the Colors” From Pirates of the Caribbean 3. Hoist the Colors features a solo by senior Tuba as well as tuba choir, a “unique” choice that is not prevalent amongst school bands, said Luley. 

Not only does this song contain intriguing instrumental elements, but also a vocal solo by junior trombone player Nathan Lee. A competitive singer and member of Lake Braddock theater, Lee wows audience members with an impressive performance. “He’s killing it,” drum major Rachel Svercl said when describing Lee’s performance. 

The entire second movement of the show is not to be missed. It ends with a transition from incredible solos to a crescendo into a huge band moment, possibly the loudest of the entire show. “The crowd goes nuts,” said Svercl, stating that the song’s familiarity lends itself to a huge reaction when played on the field. 

The Pirates of Braddock is a classic show with many unique twists and turns. Listeners at Friday Night Lights are sure to uncover more easter eggs hidden into this performance as they dive in headfirst.