The Mighty Canton Band has been a model of success over the years, entering the 2022-’23 school year with a streak of 29 consecutive UIL 1^st Division Ratings and 14 consecutive appearances at the UIL State Marching Contest.

With summer winding down and school set to begin Aug. 17, members of the Canton Band took their first steps in extending each of those streaks in recent weeks with full marching band drills beginning July 27.

Eagle Band Director Mike Bartley recently took time out to reflect on the opening weeks of camp, crediting the 92 kids that have come out to participate on their work ethic under less than ideal conditions.

Said Bartley, “The kids are doing an amazing job considering how hot it has been this summer. We have shorter spurts of time to work on the field, followed by a chance to get in the shade and hydrate, and the kids are maximizing their time very well. There has been a positive vibe throughout camp with a great work ethic like always.

“I am pleased with the way things have started this year. Everyone is focused and working hard which will help point us in the right direction to meet our goals.”

Much of the early focus during camp has been on getting kids back up to speed after a long summer, while also integrating a freshman class with little to no experience at high level marching.

“The beginning of camp is typically more fundamentals based due to having freshmen and new people that have never marched before. With this also comes an element of conditioning that improves over the season. The repetition will quick in and solidify the marching show over time,” explained Bartley. “The same can be said for the playing aspect of what we do. Most of the kids have not practiced a whole lot over the summer so it takes time to get their breathing and embouchure back in shape.”

Asked about the challenges of preparing for another State year in 2023 Bartley stated, “The State year is always hard to plan in terms of music, drill, how many are in the band, and the stress that it exerts on everyone. You want everything to be right so the students can have success but there are so many elements to contend with that can get in the way. The stress on the students is also keeping the streak alive to maintain the tradition.”

Bartley was quick to point out that much of the band program’s success continues to be a strong group of assistant directors.

“The High School Assistant is Madison Bennett who takes care of the Colorguard and woodwinds. She is from Canton and came through this program, which helps a great deal so she knows what to expect and what to do. She helps me keep things running smoothly by always thinking ahead of what needs to be accomplished.

“The Junior High Director is Emily Chenowith and she is new to our program this year. In addition to her JH duties she will be our brass specialist. She has a great background as a French Horn player and we are very excited to welcome her to our staff.

“The Junior High Assistant is Tim Clifford and he takes care of our percussionists grades 6-12. Tim also is our resident technology expert who takes care of getting the microphones set for soloists and the front ensemble, makes sure the sound board is working, and helps the drum majors with programming our metronome. He has to take care of the marching percussion and the percussionists in the front ensemble so he has many hats to wear.”

Seniors Emma Mejia and

Zach Rutledge are also expected to play a key role for the Mighty Canton Band during the upcoming school year, serving as drum majors.

Said Bartley, “Both of these students bring great musical ability and superb leadership to our program. They have seen all aspects of the program and really know what to do, when to do, how to do, why to do, and more. They are very willing to learn and pick up new ideas quickly, as well as not be afraid to determine their role and be prepared for rehearsals. They have a great background in the band that will especially help the younger members of the band.”

Looking ahead, Bartley noted that members of the band will soon have to ratchet up their in tensity due to the loss of practice time.

“Once school starts, the practice time becomes less and the intensity has to become greater in rehearsal. We will have a more limited schedule due to UIL rules, other activities that students are involved in, coursework, jobs, family life, etc. We try to balance all of this out so there is no burnout.”

Bartley added, “We would like to say thank you to the parents for all of their help and hard work throughout the year, as well as to the Canton ISD administration and staff for their backing and support. The band would also like to give a big thank you to the community of Canton for always supporting us and cheering us on.”