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The Luverne High School Marching Band is in its last full week of the 2021 practice camp.
On Monday the 54 students were learning a new field routine in the grass area near the high school football field.
This year’s program, “Music for Life,” follows four life stages — birth, work, marriage and end of life — through songs and choreographed movements, according to director James Jarvie.
Ward Miller of Minneapolis developed the music specifically for the LHS band.
“This is only Luverne’s song,” Jarvie said. “No one else in the world plays this song.”
Dan Carlson of Sioux Falls developed the show performed by the band and color guard.
Again assisting Jarvie with the marching band are teachers Morgan Van Holland and Gavin Folkestad.
Freshmen band members, color guard and drumline began practice in late July. The full band has been practicing every day since Aug. 2.
The group is preparing for a full 10-minute show.
“We are excited to perform a whole show,” Jarvie said.
Last year the coronavirus pandemic shortened the performance time bands were on the field. Luverne also attended no competitions in Minnesota, as all events were canceled.
At the South Dakota and Iowa competitions, no spectators were allowed in the stands, and bands were spaced so they wouldn’t come into contact with each other.
The group is optimistic that this year’s competitions will be able to return to having spectators and bands together.
Jarvie said he’s uncertain how this year’s season will progress as coronavirus conditions still exist.
Currently, masks must be worn on buses. Masks during practices are optional, since the band’s practices are outside.
The marching band is scheduled to perform the field show during half time at three home football games on Sept. 2, Sept. 24 and Oct. 8.
The first marching band competition is Sept. 18 in Waseca.
Other scheduled competitions include:
•Tri-State Band Festival, Luverne, Sept. 25.
•Big Sioux Review, Brandon, Sept. 25.
•Festival of Bands, Sioux Falls, Oct. 2.
•Dutchmen Field Competition, Orange City, Iowa, Oct. 9.
•Indoor marching band concert, Oct. 18, LHS gymnasium.