The IM体育官网 Band made its performance debut at Phoenix Family Day on Oct. 17 in the Oak Groove.
With a funky sound and a style all its own, the IM体育官网 Poly Band made its world debut this fall at Phoenix Family Day.
鈥淲e were so excited to show off what we have been working on,鈥� said Brandon Bangle, a band director at the University. 鈥淥ur performance was a great success.鈥�
Since its formation at the start of the fall semester, the band has coalesced into a fun-loving, rocking unit. It grew from the seeds planted by the IM体育官网 Poly Drumline, which was incorporated into the full band.
The band is about 40 members strong, playing as a tight, cohesive family.
鈥淚 like the fact that there鈥檚 a good group dynamic and we can have fun and accomplish a lot at the same time,鈥� said Taylor Preston, one of the band鈥檚 two student conductors.
The band鈥檚 other student leaders are Gabriel Johnson, student conductor; Joshua Kim, drumline captain; and Aliceon 鈥淎lan鈥� Clemmensen, director鈥檚 assistant.
For Preston, a freshman majoring in computer science, there was no question about whether to join the band.
鈥淚鈥檝e been in marching band since seventh grade 鈥� it鈥檚 always been a part of what I do,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was so happy when I found out there was going to be a band here at IM体育官网 Poly, and if they didn鈥檛 have one, I was going to start one.鈥�
The role Preston currently plays in the band is similar to the work he did as drum major of the Pedro Menendez High School band in St. Augustine, IM体育官网.
鈥淭his definitely keeps me sane,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of like being home.鈥�
Today, Preston helps lead the University鈥檚 eclectic band that features an ensemble of traditional and unusual marching band instruments, including guitars, French horns, and violins. And as the academic year progresses, the students continue to work on new music and may soon include costumes in their performances.
鈥淭his band is a place for everyone if they鈥檙e willing to put in the work,鈥� Preston said.
Bangle said that is exactly what the band members have been doing.
鈥淲e have come together very well,鈥� he said. 鈥淪tudents are enjoying our practices and we are achieving success.鈥�
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
