Fairmont High School's marching band's drum majors are ready for the season to start. From left: Trey Tumbleson, Grace Miller and Paige Linse.

FAIRMONT — The Fairmont High School marching band is gearing up to start practice next week. Members of the band are looking forward to this season after not being able to participate last year due to covid.

Fairmont High School band teacher, Kate Kallenbach, said marching band is something that all band students take part in.

“We ask that all band members grade 7-11 participate because it’s part of our comprehensive band program,” Kallenbach said.

Because marching band didn’t happen last year, there are two grade levels this year who haven’t yet experienced it. Kallenbach said there are a dozen graduating seniors who are also participating this year after missing last summer.

“They want to come and help not only during rehearsals, but some of them would like to march,” Kallenbach said.

The band program has faced challenges over the last year because of covid restrictions. Kallenbach said right now they can only have 120 in the room, so they split students up into a grade 9 and 10 symphonic band and an 11 and 12 concert band.

There will be over 200 students in marching band, something made possible because many of Minnesota’s covid restrictions ended on Friday, May 28. This allows marching band to start practicing, and just in time.

“Previously, we weren’t allowed to march on streets. We had to be at least six feet apart outside. It went so specific as to trombones had to be an extra three feet apart, so nine feet apart,” Kallenbach said.

With the easing of restrictions, masks are no longer required to be worn outside, which is a big benefit to the marching band students.

“All of us will be wearing masks in the building and on busses, but the majority of our rehearsals will be done outside,” Kallenbach said.

The marching band program lasts just three weeks. Practice will start on June 8 and take place several days a week from 8:20 a.m. until as late as noon. Kallenbach said they practice early in the day so that students can get to summer jobs and because it’s cooler in the early morning.

During the three week program, the band is scheduled to do five different parades, weather permitting. The first is the Interlaken Heritage Days parade on June 12. Others include Lakefield, Springfield, Swea City and Mountain Lake.

“We couldn’t do the parades without the support from our band boosters,” Kallenbach said of the band parents.

She said they help by driving the trailers, running errands and handing out waters during the parades.

Kallenbach stressed that health and safety for students is the number one priority.

When students practice, they will march along Cardinal St., Johnson St. and South Prairie, as well as in the high school parking lot.

“It takes time to maneuver the group, so we just ask people to be patient and flexible with us. They’ll be able to get by, but it might take a little extra time. Our drum majors are good at directing people,” Kallenbach said.

Junior Grace Miller and sophomore Paige Linse were selected to be drum majors two years ago, but will finally be able to act in their roles this summer. Kallenbach said she decided to add a third drum major this year, sophomore Trey Tumbleson.

Kallenbach said the drum majors will not only guide and direct the group, but help correct things as well.

“I love every part of band, but when you get to marching band and you can collaborate with all of those different grade levels, there’s nothing quite like seeing upperclassmen help underclassmen and to show them the way in a positive manner,” Kallenbach said.

Linse shared why she’s looking forward to marching band taking place again.

“It makes you feel like you’re needed. In marching band, you know that every single person is important in the group.”

Both Miller and Tumbleson said they’re looking forward to performing with their “band family,” as well as playing for the community.

“Our community is so supportive of us. Being able to go out and play for the community will be so much fun,” Miller said.

“I love the fact that the students are so excited for it. What they’ve accomplished during the year of the pandemic absolutely amazes me and I can’t wait to share that with our community and the other communities we go to,” Kallenbach said.