MAHS Tiger Band ‘Glitters’ in 2022 Show

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams
The Tube City Almanac
August 31, 2022
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

McKeesport Area High School Tiger Marching Band 2022 leaders and seniors are, clockwise from right, Luciano Lanz, Zachary Manfredo, Nicole Upperman, Makayla Elash, Shyaire Flohr, Connor McGrew, Cooper Kuchma, Tina Wos, Brianna Schmidt and Savanna Auckerman. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

From the theme of this year’s McKeesport Area Tiger Band Show, the audience may expect to see a lot of glitz and sparkle.

But “All That Glitters,” according to those who collaborated on its production, refers to way more than  outward appearances.

“I have always liked the ‘positive,’ uplifting concept/style shows,” band director Drew DeCarlo said during summer camp when describing what can be found in the finished product.

“This season's show portrays that we all shine in our own unique ways,” he added. “Throughout the season we will be talking about how each student in the ensemble has that unique talent that needs to be uncovered.”

Color guard joins the musicians after a band camp lunch break and separate afternoon practices during camp. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photos for Tube City Almanac)

The show is an original composition, DeCarlo said, with music written by Bryce Newton and percussion by Maureen Longo.

Ryan Raible and Mario James designed the drills for band and color guard, with Kelley Larson as guard director.

James, who has more than 35 years of experience as a performer and now a designer, is in his second year at McKeesport Area. He said the color guard has doubled in size this season.

When the directors were collaborating on the theme, he said “All That Glitters” became a jumping-off point.

“We all are born with glitter in our veins,” he said. “It’s about finding your inner truth, inner self, inner strength.”

Raible said “All That Glitters” is very positive and, as drill designer, it is his job to convey the story through the drill to the student performers. Then they take it from there and pass it on to the audience.

Members of the color guard squad polish their marching skills, under the guidance of director Kelley Larson (back to camera), prior to the band’s appearance in Kennywood’s Fall Fantasy Parade. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

Sophomore Savia Kawalski is one of three returning color guard members. “Last year we had three freshmen and three seniors,” she said.

The newcomers are “doing really, really good and catching on fast,” she said. During camp “we drill with the band in the morning first, the work on skills in the gym. I really like the theme,” she added.

To help keep things fun during camp, there are theme days and lunches served by members of the booster group.

When photos were taken for this story, it was “Little White Lie Day,” which is reflected in the slogans on students’ shirts.

Student leaders and seniors said they were a bit surprised when they first learned the name of the show, and weren’t sure what to expect.

Woodwind section captain Conner McGrew said initially he found out the theme from fellow band members because he wasn’t there when it was announced.

“I like it so far,” senior flute player Savanna Aukerman said, adding she found some of the music challenging to learn.

Field commander Tina Wos performs her flute solo during the second song in "All That Glitters," the Tiger Marching Band's 2022 show. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photos for Tube City Almanac)

Field commander Tina Wos, who also plays flute, has a solo in the second song. She said it was difficult to learn, but she was confident during camp when it came time to play.

“I like the concept and the music for this show more than in previous years,” Wos said.

DeCarlo said the students will tell the story, and voiceovers will help continue to tell the story and portray “All That Glitters.”

Senior percussion section captain Zachary Manfredo said he has a big responsibility keeping the rhythm together.

At least with some of the musicians, the second selection was their favorite.

“My favorite part is the second song,” senior clarinet player Nicole Upperman said. “It’s flowy, and more calm.”

Senior flute player Makayla Elash said after hearing the name of their show, the concept was explained. “Everyone shines in their own way, and I like that.”

Although a senior, fellow flute player Shyaire Flohr said it was Elash who convinced her to learn to play an instrument and join band last year, which she is glad she did.

“She was always around band camp,” Elash said, “and that made her want to play, so she gave it a shot.”

Brass section captain Brianna Schmidt, who plays trumpet, said the second movement “just sounds so nice.”

Section captain sophomore Cooper Kuchma said his biggest challenge was switching from trumpet as a freshman to tuba, and adjusting to the additional weight of the instrument while marching and performing.

Although at first glance it seems a bit unusual, drum major Luciano Lanz wears socks without his shoes, band director Drew DeCarlo explains, so he can turn the metronome on and off with his foot while conducting during practice. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

Drum major Luciano Lanz keeps watchful eyes and ears alert as he directs the production.

“It’s hard to hold back when you see something wrong,” he said, while the musicians and guard work to perfect their skills. “That’s what’s been most challenging for me.”

“My goal throughout the season is so every student discovers (along the way) what they shine the most at,” DeCarlo said.

The Tournament of Bands competition season kicks off at Penn-Trafford High School on Sept. 10.

Bonnijean Cooney Adams is a freelance contributor. She can be reached at adamsclick@aol.com.

A different perspective of the whole band and drum major is available to director Drew DeCarlo and other support personnel from the tower. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

“All That Glitters”

McKeesport Area High School Tiger Band

Tournament of Bands competition schedule

Sept. 10 — Penn-Trafford
Sept. 17 — East Allegheny
Sept. 24 — Yough
Oct. 8 — Deer Lakes
Oct. 15 — McKeesport hosts its Home Show
Oct. 22 — TOB Championships at Penn-Trafford
Oct. 29 — TOB PA State Championships (site to be announced)

Originally published August 31, 2022.

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