While many high schoolers have been spending the last few weeks of summer vacation at the beach, lake or hanging in town, more than 70 Columbia High students reported back to "school" on August 19.

The students in question—members of the CHS Marching Band—are stepping to the beat of their own drummer....and flutist and saxophonist.

Under the guidance of director Peter Bauer, the Marching Band's efforts were on display this Friday, August 27, as the band presented a first run preview of its 2010 Fall Show.

Students attended Marching Fundamentals Training on August 18, 19 and 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, harder work was yet to come in the form of Band Camp (think of it as preseason football camp with longer hours and more foot injuries) held this past week.

For the uninitiated, Band Camp is a 4-1/2-day marathon of drills, practice and bonding. From Monday through Thursday, students practice from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Marching Band members then break for dinner before returning for  more Band Camp from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday's agenda began with more practice beginning at 8:00 a.m., culminating in a presentation of the 2010 Marching Band for parents and invited guests at Ritzer Field at 12:30 p.m.

Of course, the past two weeks were only the beginning as students will continue to prepare for the season with an intensive schedule. The Cougar Marching Band, which includes musicians and guard, is an extracurricular activity during the fall season. Members practice three days a week after school.

The marching band plays at all CHS home and away football games. Performances will also be presented at the CHS Pep Rally as well as the Maplewood Memorial Day Parade. The band will also battle in competitions across New Jersey as well as at the band championships held in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The Marching Band members are broken down into the following four categories: 

• Band Proper: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, mellophone (marching French horn), trombone, baritone/euphonium, and sousaphone (marching tuba).
• Battery (Marching Percussion): snare drum, tenor drum, bass drum.
• Color Guard: Dancers, flag twirlers, rifle spinners.
• Pit (Non-marching Percussion): xylophone, marimba, cymbals, other percussion equipment, and electric bass.

Today's presentation was only an exhibition, and members will be decked out in full uniform when they take the field this fall.

And this fall, Patch will be there to keep you updated with coverage, insights, video and pictures of everything CHS Marching Band related.