Members of the Farmington Tiger Marching Band have recently completed two weeks of intensive Band Camp, a 70-hour regimen of rehearsals that prepare the students for fall marching band competitions, community performances, and appearances at home varsity football games.

Directed by Erin Holmes, Bradley Mariska, and several assistants, the two weeks of camp include a wide variety of rehearsals that focus on both marching technique and musical development. Band members also work together in student-led sectionals and special mentorship meetings and team building in which band "rookies" are paired with veteran marchers. Parent volunteers organized meals and snacks for the long days and evenings of rehearsals, which take place at Farmington High School.

In addition to beginning work on their fall competition show, Sagarmatha (the Nepali word for Mt. Everest), students work to memorize familiar pep band songs and drum cheers that are used at sporting events, community celebrations, and pep assemblies.

Locals can catch the Farmington Tiger Marching Band at the Dakota County Fair this Thursdayat 1pm. They will also perform at the Empire Township Hall on Sunday, August 27 and at the Minnesota State Fair Parade on Tuesday, August 29. Farmington Area Public Schools administration, staff, and faculty will be treated to a performance by the band on Monday, August 28.

For more information about upcoming performances, search for "Farmington High School Band" on Facebook.