The band trained on the Cooper Street athletic fields in the middle of August for a week of intensive rehearsal, from 8 in the morning until 6 at night.
AGAWAM - If you thought you heard the strains of "Brazil" or the steady beat of drums every day for a week during August, you weren't suffering from heat stroke.
What you heard was members of the Agawam High School marching band and color guard preparing for their upcoming fall season under the direction of band director William M. Hueglin.
As they have for decades, the Marching Mohawks of Agawam High convened band camp on the Cooper Street athletic fields in the middle of August for a week of intensive rehearsal, from 8 in the morning until 6 at night.
Returning students welcomed incoming freshman and set to work immediately learning this year's field show and drill.
Entitled "International Film Festival: Music Around the World," the show features music from globe-spanning films, including the "William Tell Overture" from "The Lone Ranger," "Brazil" from "Saludos Amigos," the "Bottle Dance" from "Fiddler on the Roof," "Can-Can" from "Moulin Rouge" and "The Sound of Music" piece, "Edelweiss."
"Our halftime show this year is designed to take the listener on a journey around the world through musical selections that are popular by their use in movies, but all of which originate from countries across the globe," said Hueglin. "It's great musical exposure for the students, and I think it will be entertaining for the audience as well."
By the end of camp, Hueglin was very pleased with the progress the group had made and the Marching Mohawks were ready to present a preview show for family on the last night. Forced to move into the high school auditorium due to torrential downpours earlier in the day, band parents were treated to a performance of several tunes, including the Agawam school song. The color guard presented an abbreviated show in front of the auditorium stage as well.
Since the dismissal of band camp, the marching band has been rehearsing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 until 8:30 p.m. under the lights in the Agawam High School parking lot, an activity they will continue throughout the fall.
Hueglin is assisted this season by assistant director Paul Sawyer, percussion instructors Danielle Russo and Tom Wilson, and color guard instructors Stephanie Keenan and Jessica Cleveland.
The band and color guard will perform their field show "International Film Festival: Music Around the World" at all home football games at Harmon A. Smith Field.