WW band embraces change of seasons in show

It’s fitting that marching band season takes place as summer turns into autumn, at least for West Washington.

Their show, “As the Seasons Turn,” focuses on the seasons, with four movements representing each.

“We’re growing slowly,” said Band Director Jennifer Gordon. Following the transition from previous band director Sam Bortka, who focused primarily on pep band activities, Gordon is moving the band, in small steps, back toward marching. “We’re doing a harder show with them this year, now that they’ve gotten their feet wet.”

The show is a mix between the traditional and the modern, featuring classical music alongside rock.

“They love it,” said Gordon of the band. “They absolutely love it. I think they’ve really fallen in love with the music these past couple weeks. The last movement is their favorite. They really like the rock groove. It’s more of a pep band sort of song.”

“I thought the seasons was a neat idea,” said Landon Blevins, a senior percussionist. “I like that it starts out with slow-paced music and gets fast … I like the way the different songs combine, with classical and rock. It’s eclectic and I like it a lot.”

He said he hopes to make this final band season count.

“It’s my last start to a season,” he said. “I’m making as many memories as I can.”

See the full story on this year's band season in The Salem Leader, on newsstands now.