What Is It?
“The HERD” is the Summer Marching Band at Buffalo Senior High School. We travel throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin competing in parades against bands from other schools. We are judged on how well we play, how well we march and manage our equipment (flags, rifles, instruments), and how well our show matches the music.
Who’s In It?
Students currently in grades 8-12 are eligible to participate this coming season. Students can be members of 4 different groups within “The HERD.”
- Honor Guard: These individuals carry the BHS Banner as well as the American, Minnesota, and “HERD” flags. These members are the first impression our band gives to audiences and judges as we march down the street. Many of these students are not in band as a class.
- Color Guard: This is a group of students dedicated to adding visual decoration to the show. They spin flags and/or rifles and dance. Many of these students are not in band as a class.
- Horn Line: These are the wind musicians (both brass and woodwind) that provide the music that’s at the heart of the band. They march intricate maneuvers as they play.
- Drumline: Percussionists play in the Drumline, providing rhythmic energy as well as interesting color to our performance.
When Is It?
Because the skills they need are so unique and new, Color Guard and Drumline members need to start rehearsing in April. The remainder of the band joins them in mid-May with several rehearsals occurring before school is out. Our goal is to have all the music and fundamental marching and visual skills learned before summer vacation. Then, we work for a full week in the first week of summer to learn our show…SWEAT CAMP! You will work hard and be proud of it. Our first parade is the Buffalo Days Parade. This will be followed by 8 additional parades in June and July. We always come back in August to perform at either the Hanover Parade or the Montrose Parade. This year we will go to the Hanover Parade.
Why Should You Be In It?
It’s fun. You will feel an amazing sense of accomplishment when you perform in front of thousands of people. You will be representing your town and school as a member of the largest team around. We usually have between 110 and 135 members, although last year we marched 160 members, larger than any other band we marched against. Every member is a starter. We have no bench. Earn a Varsity Letter after only your second season with 2 or fewer absences. You’ll make new friends right away. When school starts in the fall, you will already feel that you are a part of it. Some of your best friends for the rest of you lives will be members of “The HERD”.
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