Marching Huskies take the “show” to the streets | News, sports, jobs

Belfiore, who has served as band director at Mifflin County High School since its inception, admits that leading a successful program like the Marching Huskies isn’t easy.

He is fortunate to have many dedicated students in the band as well as a phenomenal support team of band, music sponsors and parents.

Next weekend, “The biggest show on the pitch” will hit the road and head to the Tournament of Bands (TOB) Region 2 and 4 Championships at North Schuylkill High School in Ashland, Schuylkill County.

If Mifflin County wins, it will advance to the TOB Pennsylvania State Championship, which will be played Saturday, Oct. 26, at Mansion Park Stadium in Altoona.

Photo courtesy of JOSH MCCARL
Guard soloist Reina Corona (center) and baritone soloist Caleb Noerr (right) take the spotlight during a recent performance by the Mifflin County High School Marching Band.

Their scores in the regional competition will determine their order of performance for the Atlantic Coast Championship, which will be played on Sunday, November 3rd at Hersheypark Stadium.

The Marching Huskies completed their regular season of competition this past weekend, scoring a whopping 90.80 in the Group 4 Open Class at North Schuylkill. Thanks to the good grades, Mifflin County remained in first place in the group.

“We will be adding the final elements to the show this week before the regional competition.” Belfiore explained. “There are just a few minor additions that will enrich the show.

Usually this coat “The biggest show on the pitch” was part of the St. Louis Rams’ top-class offense during the 1999 to 2001 seasons of the National Football League – and returned to Los Angeles in 2016. The Marching Huskies’ performances are also sure to generate great success.

“We will also be making some changes suggested by the judges throughout the season.” Belfiore added. “Otherwise, we’re ready.”

Photo courtesy of JOSH MCCARL
Mifflin County High School Marching Band members Jillian Kauffman (from left), Wade Eicchorn, Hannah Jones, Sommer Smith, Gracelynn Beckenbaugh and Alessa Norris play their instruments while marching.

The band has been rehearsing for such performances since band camp in August.

Mifflin County introduced a new field show this season with the theme: “Once upon a time: a fateful fairy tale.”

“The staff came up with the music and the theme last winter.” Belfiore explained. “We liked the music, but it didn’t have a specific theme, so we decided to write our own fairy tale.”

This year’s brass band has 80 members, two more than last year’s award-winning campaign. This year’s student conductor is senior Ava Liebegott.

“The band rehearsed really well” Belfiore said. “Since we started the competitive portion of our season – which usually starts around the middle of the football season – the students have been really focused on our performance.

Photo courtesy of JOSH MCCARL
Mifflin County High School Marching Band members Jillian Kauffman (from left), Alia Diehl, Sierra Snyder, Aria Hartley and Breanna Forshey march in formation.

“We had a lot of rain during rehearsals this fall, but we were able to work on music and choreography while being forced to stay indoors.” Belfiore added. “It rained at several games and shows, but the students don’t seem to let the weather bother them.”

This year’s Marching Huskies show was more of a production, with the addition of actors and many props, including a bridge, a river and 12 10-foot trees. The students have really embraced this concept and the audiences at games and shows really seem to enjoy our performances.

“It was more work to coordinate everything. But it turns out it’s better than we thought when we first conceived the show. Belfiore said.

“I think the key to our success is the support of the music promoters and the great help I get from the employees.” Belfiore added. “Without everyone working together, this wouldn’t be possible. It takes a lot of people and time to prepare the props and prepare everything else.”

Now that the going gets tough, Belfiore will also rely on the leadership of his 20 supervisors, he said “Do a great job leading the entire group.”

Photo courtesy of JOSH MCCARL
Mifflin County High School Marching Band member Gabbi Sanger (left) and bass drummer Aden McCarl (right) perform for the audience.

The Huskies’ performance is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. Tickets are only available at the box office.