Tiger marching band geared up for dazzling EF performance

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

Electric Forest Festival coverage is sponsored by Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart),www.springsteadlaw.com.

GRANT TWP. — The award-winning Shelby High School Marching Band is set for another brilliant performance at the Electric Forest Festival this Saturday, June 27, at the Double JJ Resort.

The band uniforms is set to perform on the festival grounds at 5:15 p.m. doing a “flash mob sort of performance,” playing ‘Walking on Sunshine” and “Come On Feel the Noize,” said SHS Band Director Curt Isakson.

The band has received over $30,000 with its participation in the event’s Music in the Classroom program since it was the “Rothbury” festival in 2008 and 2009.

“The money has been used for investments in the band,” Isakson said. “We have, through the help of the EF, purchased new marching band percussion; color guard equipment; guitars for the guitar class; a full 24-piano piano lab located in the middle school; a PA system for the jazz band; and help with the $23,000 purchase of new uniforms for the band. And the list goes on . . . “

The Tigers will debut their new uniforms at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Aug. 1.

The Shelby band is the only local high school band that performs at EF. Isakson said Montague has been invited and has received some funds from EF, but has not performed on site.

Another huge benefit to performing at EF is receiving those highly-sought-after wristbands for entry into the venue, Isakson said. “All the graduating seniors and participating alumni all receive free tickets. Also, chaperones and I also receive VIP tickets. This value is huge. With a sold-out festival, these tickets are invaluable, and a great incentive for my students.”

“The actual performances have been fantastic, and the kids have really enjoyed the opportunity to perform and see the site,” the band director said.  “We are sending in a 60-piece band this year, including 13 graduating seniors and 12 alumni. The students have all the music already down, and we have two rehearsals before the show. All high school students have signed permission slips from their parents. The band is bussed in; performs; and are bussed right out. We are there for about an hour.

“The support from the school has been great,” Isakson said. “Both Fran Schamber (SHS principal) and Dan Bauer (Shelby schools superintendent) have been very supportive in this program.

“The music at the EF is the main event, and there is such a variety of music to enjoy. The experience for both the band and the students is extraordinary and we are very lucky to have this rare opportunity.”

The Tiger band has received Division “1” ratings for marching band at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Marching Band Festival for 14 straight years. The band performs at many parades annually including Memorial Day, the National Asparagus Festival and the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival.

The band was featured in EF’s promotional video of the event, giving the Tigers national exposure.

-Photos courtesy of Hannah Edwards, 2014 SHS graduate