The Poland Seminary High School Marching Band is hard at work preparing for this week’s Senior Night football game and have dedicated countless hours in and out of school to perfect their performance. To learn more about the spirit and education behind the band, I spoke with band director Mr. Jeff Penny, Assistant Director Mr. Jeff Hvizdos, and flag line Director, Ms. Jennifer Stefancin for a closer look at a typical day at rehearsals.
According to Mr. Penny, rehearsals begin with a warm-up routine to get the musicians ready before running through their full set list. During after-school practices, each section works on its individual parts before the full ensemble comes together make any necessary adjustments. Mr. Penny shared that two of his favorite show themes over the years have been the classic “Fight Show” theme and this years Weather Show theme. When asked how the community can best support the Poland Band, Mr. Penny emphasized the importance of attending performances, contributing to fundraisers and Tag Day, spreading the word about the the annual mattress sale, and offering positive encouragement.
“My favorite part of being a director” Mr. Penny said, “is seeing everything come together and feeling the audience’s appreciation.”
He also recalled a fond memory from band camp when the band’s truck was towed. “I played taps on the trumpet as the students saluted the truck-it was one of those moments you never forget,” Mr. Penny laughed.
Assistant Director Mr. Hvizdos also shared his personal perspective on working with the band. For Mr. Hvizdos, rehearsals are all about synchronization and teamwork.
“By the end of practice, everyone knows their part, and its rewarding to see the whole show come to life,” Hvizdos said.
Like Mr. Penny, Mr. Hvizdos counts the Weather Show among his favorites, admiring both the musical selections and the intricate formations the band performs on the field.
Mr. Hvizdos, a former Poland Band student himself, takes pride in watching the next generation continue the tradition.
“It’s an honor to have been apart of the band as a student and now to build a career helping shape it,” Mr. Hvizdos said. One of his favorite memories from his student days was a lighthearted prank he and his classmates pulled on their director-proof that even the most disciplined musicians know how to have fun.
Flag line Director, Jennifer Stefancin finishes off with her point of view of the flag line girls.
“The typical rehearsal for Flag line consists of a warm-up, a run through of all routines that the team knows to date, learning any new material for remaining performances and recording anything new that was learned within each rehearsal to post in classroom for practice purposes,” Ms. Stefancin said.
Over the years of many different show themes, Stefancin’s most cherished one is the 80’s Show.
Ms. Stefancin expresses that “Students and families can support the PSHS Band and Flag line by being involved,” like”Volunteering for things like working in the concession stand at football games, giving donations on tag day, attending fundraising events, like Chipotle day, Buffalo Wild Wings day or the mattress fundraiser and coming to performances like the PSHS band night show held this year at the stadium.”
Ms. Stefancin’s favorite memory over the years as director of flag line, “is being able to see the growth and development of the students that I work with year-over-year.”
Her funniest memory was “My oldest son Evan was miked up for his senior show, and instead of my name being announced as the Flagline advisor, as a surprise, it was announced that the Flagline advisor was Evan‘s mom. The reaction from the kids in the band as well as the crowd was caught on video and was absolutely hysterical,” Ms. Stefancin laughed.
As the Poland Marching Band prepares for Senior Night, their passion, discipline, and sense of community shine through every music note an performance. Fans of the band are encouraged to attend and show their support for the talented students who bring the energy to the Friday night games.
