Coatesville, Pa. – The Coatesville Area Senior High School marching band is set to launch its new season on Friday night with a halftime performance at the varsity football game. After a summer of intensive rehearsals, the group of roughly 40 musicians is ready to showcase the hard work of its members.

Open to a wide age range

Band director Gabriel Hughes says the program welcomes students from grades six through twelve, even those who have never played an instrument before. “So everybody is invited. Anybody who has played an instrument, even didn’t play an instrument yet, we’ll come and teach you,” Hughes explained.

Students share personal motivations

Sophomore Josiah Galloway described spending most of his summer practicing with the band rather than vacationing at the beach. “This year, I didn’t even get to go to the beach or anything, I just did this for most of the summer,” he said, adding that he looks forward to showing the community the results of their effort.

Senior Liam Nicol, who joined the band in eighth grade, credits his parents for inspiring his involvement. “My dad, he’s a drummer and my mom, she used to be in marching band. She always told me stories and I always thought that was so cool, I just wanted to get involved as soon as possible,” he said.

Music education as a lifelong asset

Hughes emphasized that learning music is a skill that develops over time and can open doors well beyond high school. “It’s a skill, so it’s going to take time to get them to master it, but when they mastering it, there are a lot of opportunities that open for them. People don’t realize, even in professional circles like doctors and things, they play music still,” he noted.

As the season gets underway, band members are eager to share the fruits of months of preparation with audiences at football games and upcoming competitions, while building skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.