Practicing for perfection: Pine-Richland marching band battles high heat, humidity during annual band camp

Members of the Pine-Richland High School marching band battled extreme high temperatures, sweltering humidity and severe storms that sent them scurrying indoors for rehearsal during portions of their annual band camp during the weeks of Aug. 9 and 16.

The student musicians and performers, under the leadership of band director Brian Scott, fine-tuned the musical selections and worked on the intricate steps they will follow when they hit the field during the upcoming football season, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 28 against Harrisburg at the Wolvarena in Turtle Creek.

To help keep the mood light while doing the serious work of crafting their pregame and halftime shows, students donned colorful outfits and lots of bling.

The band includes instrumentalists, color guard, dance team, drumline and drum majors, who work together to deliver high-energy, skillful performances.

In addition to entertaining fans at the football games, the band participates in a number of festivals each year as well as the community Halloween parade in Richland’s Grandview neighborhood, Pittsburgh’s annual Veteran’s Day Parade and multiple concerts held throughout the school year.