Vandy’s marching band wins with journey ‘From Within’

For the fourth consecutive year, Vandebilt Catholic High School’s marching regiment holds the state’s Reserve Grand Championship title.

The 2007 Louisiana Showcase of Marching Bands competition was held at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette earlier this month.

Vandebilt placed second overall in the competition, which included 32 bands.

Although emphasis isn’t placed on awards and trophies, Vandebilt’s Music Director Marc Martin is the first to brag about the regiment’s feat. “We beat out bands twice our size,” he said.

“This award represents a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of the students. It goes to prove that if you put in the extra time the reward is great, whether it’s a trophy or personal satisfaction,” he added.

It’s the latter that means the most to Martin. “Satisfaction is what they will remember 10 years from now. Not some trophy,” he said.

Drawing on Martin’s diverse knowledge of music and enthusiasm, the director and his staff produced the award-winning field performance called “From Within.”

“The judges saw the visual concept and the picture we painted for them with the drill on the field. Everything revolved from within – inside and out,” he said. “We kept that flow going throughout the entire performance.”

According to Martin, the show was about a journey through the human spirit. It included illustrations of grief, remorse, forgiveness and joy.

“It was an emotionally driven show,” he said.

The Nov. 3 competition marks Martin’s second year directing the regiment. Last year, he accepted the director role and led the marching band to the Reserve Grand honor.

Martin is a 1999 Vandebilt alum, and earned his bachelor’s degree at the Lafayette university. He recently completed his master’s degree in music at the University of Houston.

Steve Wilson, a graduate of Nicholls State University’s music program, also joined the Terrier’s band staff in 2006.

The two agree the band’s mission is to provide students with life-changing experiences – musically, educationally or socially.

“Character development can help each of the band members can gain real life skills, musical training and performance experience,” Martin said.

The characteristics – dedication, discipline and teamwork – are key ingredients to an award-winning performance, but also beneficial in life, the director said.

“We learn what is required to be successful on and off the performance field,” he said. “Participation in the regiment instills confidence, quality of character and a strong work ethic that can only be taught through commitment and responsibility.”

Vandebilt Catholic High School’s marching regiment holds the state’s Reserve Grand Championship title, taking top honors at the 2007 Louisiana Showcase of Marching Bands competition at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette earlier this month. * Photo courtesy of VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL