The entire band assembles by the lake for rehearsal. Photos provided

The Clarkston High School Marching Band just finished a week of band camp up in Tustin, Mich., Aug. 12-17.
The 143-member band of horns, winds, percussion, and colorguard range from grades 8-12 from Clarkston Community Schools. The show’s theme this year is “Stained Glass.”
“They are very excited for the upcoming competition year, as well as Friday night football games to present during halftime,” said Dave Murphy, president of Clarkston Schools of Instrumental Music. “The band and guard worked hard all week learning the music, flag work, routines, drill, and choreography.”

The band started each morning at 7 a.m. and practiced until 9 p.m., Murphy said.
“The weather was great and they had little rain this year,” he said. “They do get breaks and free time during the day as well as doing fun events at night after the 9 p.m. practice ending. The sweat and hard work is worth it and they know the audience will love the show.”
They perform at home football games on Sept. 6 and 13, Homecoming on Oct. 4, and Oct. 18
Competitions kick off with the Lakeland Invitational on Sept. 21. The competition season continues on Oct. 12 at the Novi Invitational; Clarkston Invitational, Oct. 19; Plymouth-Canton Invitational, Oct. 26; MCBA State Finals, Nov. 2; and Band-O-Rama, Nov. 5.