For the last four days Marietta High School has served as a home away from home for the Columbians Drum & Bugle Corps.
Based out of Pasco Washington, they travel during the summer in order to compete in competitions all over the United States.
The group derives its name from the Tri-City Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps, which was active from the 1950s up until the mid-1970s according to Jeff Ludlow, Director of Communications for The Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps. “This year’s iteration of the Columbians has 135 members ranging from ages 14-21 and is comprised of percussion, brass and color guard members.”
Marietta High School wasn’t the first school stop for the group, they had already stayed at five other schools before arriving in Marietta Tuesday night around 1:00 a.m.
While Ludlow and the Columbians were used to this type of accommodations, this was a first time experience for Athletic Director Cody Venderlic. “When you’re unaware of another group’s reputation, expectations or processes it’s scary to open up our home for use, especially when you can’t be there the entire time to oversee things.” Despite the nerves, Venderlic stressed that it was his relationship with MCS Band Director Korey Parlin and his students that eased his concerns. “I love working with Korey and our band and whenever we get an opportunity to provide an experience like this for the students, I feel like it’s our job to find a way to make it happen.”
The 135 members of the Columbians spent their evenings sleeping in Sutton Gymnasium while the staff stayed in about five classrooms inside MHS. Each morning the visitors were able to use the shower and restroom facilities before moving all of their belongings into the auditorium, making room for other MHS activities to take place throughout the day.
“The accommodations at Marietta High School have been great, especially the band tower which has made our job as instructional staff so much easier to do,” stated Ludlow.
Other than a place to practice and sleep, they came prepared with their own transportation, food and all the equipment they needed.
Marietta City Schools Band Director Korey Parlin echoed what a great opportunity this was for his students to learn from a band that has been training to compete at this level.
“Normally to even see this level of performance our kids would have to travel, but because of this opportunity, we had students able to learn from and even march alongside these very talented performers.”
After two nights and three days at MHS, the group will disembark towards their next show Thursday night around 11 p.m.
It however, might not be the last time they visit the home of the Tigers, as both sides have left the idea of a future partnership open. “It was a bit hectic, but I think if we were to do this more often we would only become better prepared,” stated Parlin.
To follow the Columbians on their journey visit their website or find them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.