Its chance earned, Lakeland band seeks money

SUFFOLK

After a two-minute water break, members of the Marching Quiet Storm took their positions along the perimeter of Lakeland High School's band room.

Director Alvin Wilson II and assistant drum major Gary Knight Jr. faced the group of dancers, flag twirlers, majorettes and musicians.

"We're gonna run through the show from top to bottom," Wilson said. "Concentrate on every movement."

On this afternoon, the students were preparing for Suffolk's holiday parade. The event usually marks the end of the marching season. This year, it's just a warm-up.

The main event comes in May. The band was invited to represent Virginia in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington. The teens are to perform along Constitution Avenue on May 31.

"I'm so excited," said senior Kia Edwards, dance-line captain. "This is our first adventure away from Suffolk.... I think we're ready for it."

The only hitch: Band members must raise $27,000 to cover transportation, lodging and other expenses. They've sold doughnuts, washed cars and made a plea at a City Council meeting. Still, they've collected only about $8,500 so far - $6,000 of which came from the Suffolk school division.

Wilson hopes an indoor drum-line competition, scheduled for Dec. 5, and a Dec. 19 performance in the Sam's Club parking lot by Chesapeake Square Mall will garner more donations.

"It's only a few months away," he said. "May will be here before you know it."

Students said Wilson began preparing them when he arrived at Lakeland more than two years ago. He upped their exercise routine, placed a greater focus on discipline and respect, and mandated a 45-minute study time before rehearsals.

"We mess up, he gets on us," said Gary, the assistant drum major. Looking back, "I see why he pushed us so hard."

The group of more than 60 band members, mostly clad in sweatpants and T-shirts, fell silent when Gary walked into the room. The students were seated, instruments and gear by their sides.

"How y'all doing?" asked Gary, a junior.

"Fine, sir," they replied in unison.

Wilson earned a similar response when he burst through his office door.

Later in the rehearsal, students launched into songs - modern hits by Britney Spears and Jay-Z, plus oldies by the Emotions - at the tweet of Gary's whistle. The musicians marched in place, many with elbows lifted high. Kia swayed her hips and waved her arms, her smile widening as the energy level rose. One boy used his shirt to wipe sweat from his face.

During a break, baritone player Jeremy Lenox motioned to trophies displayed on the wall. They mean a lot, he said, but performing in front of a national audience is a special experience.

Jeremy, a junior, said he presses through the two-hour after-school band practices by focusing on the music.

"You gotta do all the hard work," he said, "before you can get the glory.

Hattie Brown Garrow, (757) 222-5562, hattie.brown@pilotonline.com