Storm Warning - Weber Review

Sky View was warming up in preparation for taking the field for the Weber Review at Weber State University when an announcement was made to the crowd in the stadium:

"A national weather advisory has just issued a severe thunderstorm warning for 25 minutes from now.  In the event of lightning the stadium will be evacuated.  If you are on the field we will stop your performance and all bands and members for the audience will clear the stadium and shelter in your cars and buses for 30 mins.  After that time we will asses the weather and make a decision as to continuing the competition or cancelling due to the weather."

Mr. Beach and the band was just marching from the warm up area for their last water break before lining up to perform.  When told of the announcement, Mr. Beach looked with concern at his watch and said, "But that is exactly when we are set to perform!"
It was decided that because of the gusting wind  that the backdrops and panels would not be used.

Mr. Beach explained,  "You will need to enter and perform exactly as you would if the equipment was there.  Maintain professionalism and simulate, as closely as possible, setting up for the show."   Storm clouds rolled in and the sky darkened ominously.

As expected, the crowd was very enthusiastic about what Sky View was doing on the field and loved the show, especially when the lightning flags started flashing.  There was an audible gasp when those flags went up and the storm circles began on the field.  The cymbals crashed and the lightening sound effects split the air.  With the real storm on top of us -  mother nature creating her own backdrop - the show was electrifying!!

We were able to finish our show and the next band performed also.  The stadium did eventually get evacuated and, unfortunately, not all of the 5A bands got to perform. It was decided that the initial storm warning must have been set off by the SV flags and the tribal rain dance of the Sky View Marching Band!!

The band performed well.  There were a few snaffus with the metronomes and some props that were left behind, but it was a good test of the band's show itself.  The feedback from the Judges was very positive.  They were really excited about "Rhythm of the Rain Forest" and the power of the musical concepts and visuals.  Students report that the Weber adjudicator's word o' the day was "potential."  Even the judges are looking forward to seeing this show become everything it can become.  Let's do it, Sky View!!