Northview band members wrap up camp

Emily Luetteke, 15, center left, and Madison Phillips, 16, center right, laugh while swaying back and forth with other flutists during Northview High School marching band practice. The band was out Wednesday morning to practice selections from "The Sound of Music." THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH Enlarge | Buy This Photo

Marching band students at Northview High School are getting ready for a busy fall season of playing at football games and playing at community events. Now at the end of three weeks of band camp, the students will soon return to classes and practice schedules.

“We have a very active program,” band director Gene Bohland said. “It’s one, if not the largest music programs in northwest Ohio.”

He said the students have been working diligently in the camp sessions, preparing for the football season, where they will march at all of the games.

“We also march in a couple of local parades. This year, we’re going to participate in the University of Toledo Band Day and perform at one of their games,” Mr. Bohland said.

The band students will also work in various roles on the fall school play, The Sound of Music.

“After the football season, we switch over to concert band. We’ll do three concerts throughout the year, where we play very challenging music,” he said.

Mr. Bohland is aided by assistant band director, Nathan Heath, who also helps during practices and concerts. Mr. Heath helped establish a “Top 40” band at the school.

“It’s like a rock band, a cover band basically,” Mr. Heath said.

But that won’t be the only dose of modern music this year. The band plans to feature some older songs, while also playing more contemporary and alternative music, from bands like Green Day.

Mr. Bohland thinks community members will be impressed when they hear the band playing at games and events in upcoming months.

“They’re going to expect to hear a big quality sound, with the students demonstrating that they have fun while they’re performing,” he said.

Contact Kelly McLendon at kmclendon@theblade.com or 419-206-0356.