Schools

USC Band Sounds Sharp As School Year Approaches

Band embers participated in Kennywood's Fall Fantasy Parade Monday and look forward to showing their talents in other events.

Football players trudged out to Upper St. Clair High School Stadium for the first official practice Monday morning.

When it comes to getting ready for the 2012-13 academic year, another group of students who will be on the field this fall beat the gridiron guys to the punch.

The Pride of Upper St. Clair Marching Band has been rehearsing since the beginning of last week, except for the percussionists. They started back on Aug. 2.

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Band director Don Pickell was nothing but enthusiastic about the sound and choreography as the students rehearsed Monday. From practice, it was off to Kennywood to participate in the park’s Fall Fantasy Parade that evening.

For folks who don’t want to sit through football games to hear finer performances from the band, Thursday, Aug. 16, is Parent Salute Night, starting at 5:30 at the high school. And looking ahead, the USC Band Festival is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22.

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In the meantime, the band is working on a few fundraisers to help keep the music playing.

A hoagie sale is in progress, with the sandwiches to be made fresh for delivery on Saturday, Aug. 25. For more information, contact wvespa@msn.com.

Band members also are selling the Enjoy entertainment coupon book, starting Thursday through the end of August.

Also, for those who think about the holidays throughout the year, the band is selling luminaria again this year. Order between Sept. 1 and Halloween, and get a discount price.

And, as Mike Nesmith of the Monkees once sang, listen to the band!


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