Hamburg Area School District hosted the Blue Devils, a drum and bugle corps part of Drum Corps International, from July 30 to Aug. 2. The 15-time World Champion marching unit rehearsed at the football stadium and even used the middle school as a hotel during their days here in Hamburg.
Because they are so comfortable in Hamburg, the group specifically requests to rehearse here every year according to Patrick Seidling, of the Blue Devils. The rehearsals give the community, and perhaps even more importantly the band students, a chance to see what a great deal of practice, countless hours of rehearsals and skill can amount to.
“The Music Department is absolutely thrilled to have an ensemble of this caliber visiting Hamburg! It is a GREAT opportunity for our students to witness such talented musicians,” said Megan Reimer, Hamburg Area Middle/High School band director, prior to the visit. “This is an excellent way to inspire our students and promote music in our community!”
And the Blue Devils sure did inspire the students. Members of the Hamburg Area Music Association were on site for the rehearsals running the concession stand and shared their amazement as well as what they saw from the students that watched the rehearsals.
One member, and band parent, shared her daughter’s reaction to watching the group rehearse as being in awe and even having tears in her eyes from being able to see what she could do with music after high school. The experience also inspired her son and made him excited about the future possibilities.
The band parents and music association members all agreed that the rehearsals were “amazing” and were in awe at how the Blue Devils were always on with smiles and put all their efforts into each rehearsal.
Rehearsals were open to the public and featured full run-throughs at the end of rehearsal each day. It was not only the Hamburg area residents that made it out to see the group, but also people from Canada and all throughout the United States that follow the Blue Devils from rehearsal area to rehearsal area and competitions throughout the season.
During their stay, the Blue Devils traveled to Rutgers University and Allentown for DCI shows.
For more information on the Hamburg Area Music Association visit www.hasdhawks.org/community.cfm?subpage=786854 and for more information on the Blue Devils visit bluedevils.org.
