The Bison marching band introduced a fantastic halftime show this season with new songs and choreography with a 2000’s pop theme.

The show begins with “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson, followed by the drill team’s feature “Everytime We Touch” by Electric Callboy. Then the band performs “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC, featuring a special dance that accompanies the third piece in each year’s show.

During “Bye Bye Bye,” the song stops, and the musicians drop their instruments and dance in unison while the drum line continues to play. 

Meanwhile, the drill team’s choreography also features some very precise footwork and dance moves as well.

After the dance, the band picks up their instruments and continues to play the final section of “Bye Bye Bye.”

Finally, the band performs the Beachwood Fight Song as they march off the field.

On Sept. 26 the marching band performed their annual Homecoming halftime show, where band and drill team alumni come back to perform with this year’s band.

Part of the band’s success this year comes from the growth they have seen, with 27 new students this year.

Band Director David Luddington is happy to see these new faces.

“We have a lot of new students this year,” Luddington said. “That’s been a great boost to our community because we have all of these folks who are learning for the first time.”

Band Vice President Vega Craig, who plays trombone, enjoys working with the new members.

“I think it’s really important to make sure everybody is welcome and [feels] free to express themselves,” Craig said.

Band President Mirica Woodley, who also plays trombone, agrees about the importance of supporting new members.

“Whenever you get new members it’s a good thing to invite them into this community,” Woodley said.

Craig is enjoying her senior year in marching band.

“I have made so many friends from the marching band.” she added. “I love the band, and you become so close with everyone.”

Luddington says the band is a great place for students to make strong friendships.

“It is very nice that this is a place where people feel connected to others who have similar interests,” Luddington said. “They have shared experiences that they have together and in the challenges that we overcome and, I think that really brings us close together.”

Woodley feels Luddington is a truly caring teacher.

“He genuinely sees something in every single student in band,” she said. “He sees potential in every student and that takes a special someone to see.

The band’s next performance will be Oct. 10 when the football team plays Cuyahoga Heights at home.

The senior show will be at the BHS stadium on Oct 24. when the Bison face the Vanlue Wildcats.

In addition to being the seniors’ last show with the band, the senior show will have a special setlist and choreography.