He came backed by a three-piece band drilled in the cropped, swinging, interlocking rhythms of the songs, the reggae-like grooves and the ambient sprays of electric guitar.
Members participated in such subgroups as the band, drill team, orchestra and bowling team.
Requirements considered include: demonstration of skills and knowledge in band drill, commands and formations, qualification of Music Proficiency Level 2, and holds the minimum rank of Flight Corporal.
The speech, preceded by fanfare that included the marching band, drill team and an ROTC color guard, posed quite a contrast to the annual "state of the city" ceremonies of years gone by.
When the teams leave at half time, they will be replaced by the colors, bands, drill teams and cheerleaders of the schools and the best of the city's high school marching bands.
Football fans can geek out on the snapping machine invented by Felton (Pooch) Wright of Ballinger, and casual fans can appreciate how artifacts from cheerleaders, mascots, marching bands, drill teams and homecoming queens have enhanced this culture.
Mr. Berish is publisher of World of Pageantry, a newspaper for high school marching bands, drill teams, drum corps and pep squads.
There will be marching bands, drill teams, floats, children on bikes, decorated golf carts, vintage cars, Keystone cops and appearances by elected officials.
The band are drilled to perfection, the selection of songs triple-tested: Penny Lane, Eleanor Rigby, The Long And Winding Road.
