Auxiliary+dazzles+crowds

 =Auxiliary dazzles crowds = By Natalie Gearhart Copy Editor

Under the Friday night lights at the Burrell High School Football Stadium, crowds not only gather to cheer on the Buccos but also are entertained by the auxiliary. The auxiliary is a dance and flag unit within the Burrell Marching Band which performs during half-time. The marching band’s theme this year is Abba and includes many popular songs. The show opens with Abba’s “I Have a Dream,” followed by “Mama Mia.” The features include “Waterloo” and “Dancing Queen,” which were choreographed by colorguard captain Leanne Woiewodski, and dance team captain Natalie Gearhart.

In order to deliver an entertaining and exciting show, the auxiliary works well in advance with the marching band prior to the start of the new school year. Tryouts first begin in late April or May. Those that tryout learn the basics of twirling a flag as well as basic dance steps. In the span of one week, a dance and flag routine are learned. Although the participant performs both routines in front of four judges, they are chosen to be either part of the colorguard or the dance team. After learning the routines, those trying out are also judged based on marching technique, skill, performance, and attitude. Senior Leanne Woiewodski advises that “skill is important, but attitude is more important and you should enjoy what you are doing.” Woiewodski also claims that her favorite part of being in the auxiliary is “entertaining everyone at half-time and finally getting the chance to put on a show that we worked hard on all year.”

Mrs. Sharon Storch plans and choreographs two routines for the half-time performance. Storch believes that “Auxiliary is important because it is an energetic accent to the music and is exciting for the audience.” The auxiliary also meets in June and July, one day a week to work on routines. In August, the unit meets with the BHS marching band, directed by Mrs. Sandy Becker, for band camp (two weeks for seven hours a day). During the school year, the auxiliary meets once a week for three hours.

The auxiliary not only performs during half-time at the football games, but also participates in band festivals, such as the Alle-Kiski Marching Band Festival, and local parades which include the Veteran’s Day Parade, the Memorial Day Parade, and recently in Lower Burrell’s 50th Anniversary Parade. Whether they are showing school spirit by performing at half-time or supporting the community in local parades, the auxiliary unit truly dazzles any crowd.