For the Antigo Times

A new marching group has formed within the Antigo High School Band program called Soundsport. Members of the AHS Soundsport group recently completed their camp week as they began to work on their 2017 production.

Soundsport is a marching group that can range anywhere from seven to 40 members and the performance area is 20 yards deep and 30 yards wide. The Antigo High School Soundsport group includes 33 members from the 75-member Marching Band.  The Marching Band will perform locally at parades and football games and the Soundsport team will travel to competitions.

Antigo High School will be the first band in the state to pilot the Soundsport concept.

“For many years, Antigo has been known as a group that has provided entertaining and successful shows with a small group,” long-time Antigo director Jeff Dewey said.

The Wisconsin School Music Association is hoping the Soundsport concept can be a great option for small schools with limited budgets, staff and time to get involved in the marching activity.

“My ultimate goal is to see a Soundsport division at the State Marching Band Championships where small groups could compete against each other in their own class instead of forcing these groups to compete against larger 200 member bands,” Dewey added.

The AHS Soundsport’s 2017 production is entitled Motion”less”. The premise of the show is that sometimes throughout our lives we can be doing the same thing over and over whether it’s our jobs, school, or just going through the daily motion of life. But what would happen if we get stuck in the same pattern and eventually just start going through the motions – which turns our spirit and passion into stone?

“Justin Clintsman is our new show and drill designer. He has had some great ideas as we transition from a marching band to a Soundsport group.” During the production, Band members will interact with silhouettes creating a two dimensional drill. The show will also feature more dance and body work. “We are all learning, students and staff, as we dive into this unique activity called Soundsport,” said Dewey.

Other staff members include Mr. Jeff Dewey – Director, Gerald Sakamaki and Matt Hornbuckle – Percussion.  Melissa Wald – Color Guard writing, and Elizabeth Boyd and Dane Aros – Color Guard Instruction. Mr. Justin Markgraf, art teach at AHS, help serve as a consultant for the silhouettes.

The early home football games will allow everyone a chance to see the AHS Soundsport group perform before the Marching Band performs for games later in the season.

AHS Soundsport Competition Schedule:

• September 17 – Waukesha North Bandfest (1pm)
• September 30 – Merrill Marching Invitational (6:30pm)
• October 1 – Antigo Marching Showcase (1pm)
• October  7 – Music Along the Chippewa (Chippewa Falls HS – 6:00pm)
• October 8 – Rhythm by the River (UWRF – 1pm)
• October 14 – State Marching Band Championships (3:15 performance)