The award-winning Council Rock North Marching Band is saddling up for a busy season this fall, performing its show “Unbridled” at football games and competitions through early November.
As described on the music arranger’s website, “Unbridled” is a celebration of equestrian culture and the free spirit of horses. The arrangement uses familiar themes from the “William Tell” and “Light Cavalry” Overtures to elicit the power and grace of this majestic creature, bringing us back to our own childhood dreams of having our very own pony.
Director of Bands Wayne Bishop said bringing “Unbridled” to life is a true “bucket list” item for him, since the concept is based on one of his all-time favorite Drum Corps International shows by Carolina Crown.
“When I first saw ‘Triple Crown’ in 2007, it forever changed my perception of what the marching arts can be,” said Bishop, who is in his eighth season as CRN band director. “Now, creating a similar show with this band, I’m relishing the opportunity to share something that was so formative for me. I can only hope that this group of students feels similarly inspired to continue to appreciate and participate in music for the rest of their lives.”
Indeed, Bishop said he’s impressed by the dedication of the 55 students that comprise the marching band and color guard this season.
“So much of the band experience is determined by its members, and at this early stage, this group has proven to be hard-working, kind, supportive, and super fun, largely due to the example of our student leaders,” said Bishop.
After two weeks of daily band camp and another week of rehearsals, the Council Rock North Marching Band will perform “Unbridled” at 11 regular-season football games and seven competitions. Last year, the band earned its highest-ever point total to win second place in the Cavalcade of Bands championship in Hershey, finishing less than a point behind the first-place band.
The public can catch “Unbridled” before CR North home football games at Walt Snyder Stadium Sept. 1, Sept. 24, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21. The band will also travel to six away games, where they will be the featured half-time show.
Cavalcade of Bands competitions begin Saturday, Oct. 1 at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, and continue each Saturday at various locations through early November.
In addition, the CR North Marching Band and color guard will perform in the Newtown Halloween Parade in October, at the Washington Crossing holiday tree lighting ceremony in November, and the Newtown Holiday Parade in December. They will also present a “stadium review” concert Nov. 15 and a winter concert Dec. 21, both in the auditorium at CR North, located at 62 Swamp Road, Newtown.
The band is also preparing for a performance tour in Hawaii next spring, and fundraising efforts are in full swing to offset the cost of equipment rental and instrument transportation.
To make a tax-deductible donation, visit crnband.org/store.
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