The Lakeland Prep Marching Band is set to dazzle the community with a preview of their 2024 marching season. The much-anticipated event will take place on Friday, July 26th at 7pm at the Lakeland Prep Football Stadium. This year’s show, titled “When the Forest Calls,” promises a magical journey inspired by Grimm fairy tales and other enchanting fables.
“Answer the mystical call of the forest, a harmonious invitation to explore where music and magic intertwine,” beckons the show’s theme. The narrative follows a human character lured into a magical forest by the fey people, experiencing the whimsical and mysterious wonders of their world. The audience will be kept on edge, never certain whether the fey’s intentions are benevolent or malevolent, as playful pranks and mischief unfold.
LP Director of Bands, Michaiah Radcliffe, expressed his excitement:
“The community is going to see a new level of performance this year from the LP band, both musically and visually. The vast majority of our group are returning members. After our May camp and the start of our July camp, it is like the students are just picking up right where they left off at the end of last season, and pushing to even higher heights.”
Preview Show Details:
- Date and Time: Friday, July 26th at 7pm
- Location: Lakeland Prep Football Stadium
- Highlights:
- Training demonstrations
- Audience participation
- Performance of the first movement of the show (three movements in total)
Show Features:
- Colorful Designs: New props and vibrant costumes
- Show Shirts: Available for purchase at the Preview Show
Competitions and Performances:
- First Official Performance: Halftime show at the first home football game on Friday, August 23rd
- First Competition: Saturday, September 14th in South Gibson
- Total Competitions: Seven, including the prestigious Bands of America Competition and others in Arlington, Collierville, Bartlett, and the Tennessee Division II Championship
Band Information:
- Total Students: 66
- Rachel Forbes: Returning Drum Major (11th grade)
- Grade Levels: 1 eighth grader, 65 students from 9th to 11th grade
- Color Guard: 14 members, including the first-ever male member
Directors and Leadership:
- Michaiah Radcliffe: Director of Bands, entering his third year
- Rebecca Hanna: Color Guard Director
- Brent Hopper: Assistant Director, overseeing both high school and middle school
- New Leadership Assistants: Three additional assistants joining this year
Band Camp:
- Schedule: 8am – 5pm, from July 15th to July 26th, concluding with the Preview Show
- Activities:
- Conditioning
- Marching practice
- Show design
- Music rehearsals
- Team building exercises
Randi Owen, LP Band Booster President, shared her enthusiasm:
“It’s going to be an exciting year! The students are so good. Especially with the band program still in developmental stages. It is so rewarding seeing all their hard work pay off with the help of such amazing directors and school leaders. Parents are also getting more involved as they realize how committed the students are and what it takes to make all this happen. It is a big deal and the Band Boosters are committed to helping with the continued growth of the program and seeing this be our best year yet! Go Lions!”
The Lakeland Prep community is invited and encouraged to attend the Preview Show to witness the extraordinary talent and dedication of the marching band. This season promises to be an unforgettable experience of music and magic.
