The Concord High marching band is booming: literally!
In the last five years, the marching band has doubled in size to approximately 140 members. Already this year the group has 20 more members than last year.
This breaks down to about 30 flutes, 30 trumpets, 25 clarinets, 10 saxophones, 10 trombones, 16 percussionists and 7 color guard members.
No wonder growth has been drastic. Said music director Jim Foley, “We try to create a fun, educational atmosphere for band members.”
Commitment to the marching band starts each year the week before classes begin,  when all members attend band camp at Memorial Field. Musicians begin learning song selections for the year and, according to Foley, the “real meaning of the lines on a football field.”
This year’s songs include “Ice Ice Baby/ Under Pressure,” “All Along the Watch Tower,””Billie Jean” and “Gitana.”
The band performs at various events throughout the year in addition to doing halftime shows during football games. This year the band will march in the Homecoming Parade/ALS Walk and in holiday parades in Concord and Exeter.
Members also participate in the Salem Band Show each year.
Three student drum majors help directors Foley and Gabriel Cohen keep this large marching band in order: Delaney Collins, Kayleigh Lassonde and Lexie Perlow.
“A prime role is being peer leaders to others in the band while also helping out Mr. Foley and Mr. Cohen with anything they need,” said Collins.
No matter how many members it has in its ranks, the band always strives to put on a unique musical performance. In “Ice Ice Baby/ Under Pressure,” played in the gymnasium at last Friday’s pep rally, the entire band punctuated the song with rap.
“Art is about getting better, and excelling at your art,” said Cohen. “We want to continue to excel, continue to be cutting edge.”