Concert in the Park features Mustang Band

The Marble Falls Mustang Band is one of only two Texas high school marching bands performing here at the 2017 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Their Concert in the Park Aug. 25 will introduce a new season of musical performance.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

When the Marble Falls High School Mustang Band marched in the National Memorial Day Parade on in Washington, D.C., they one of just two bands invited to represent the State of Texas.

Now, fans back home have a chance to hear what makes them a top band and to help send them on their next great musical adventure.

The MFHS Band Concert in the Park on Friday, Aug. 25, will preview their new fall show.

“The concert will be the first outlet of their new show, 'Music from the Heart,'” said Barb Shafer, president of the MFHS Band Boosters. “I have been watching them every day and I expect this show to go to state.

“We have experienced upper class men and wonderful new freshmen.”

“Only two bands from each state are invited from audition tapes to the Memorial Day Parade and our band deserved it. They are great ambassadors for Marble Falls.”

Shafer said the new band uniforms that made their debut at the nationally-televised parade were a hit as well.

“They were designed primarily by our band director, Brad Behrens,” said Shafer. “They are like nothing I have seen before, so professional and elegant. At least 15 schools have come to photograph them for ideas for their own bands.”

Only 58 of 110 band members were able to go to Washington, D.C., because of a lack of funds.

“My goal this year is for every student to go on the next spring trip,” Shafer said. “The fish fry is one of our biggest fund raisers.”

Profits from all sales of a fish fry benefit Aug. 20 and donations and food sales Friday will be divided equally among band members for travel. It almost goes without saying that an invitation to Seoul, South Korea, to perform at the Olympics has been politely declined. But whereever they travel, the Band Boosters want all members to be there.

The concert, to be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Johnson Park on Friday is free. However, Nathan's Big Dogs hot dogs, chips, water and soda will be for sale. All proceeds, again, got to the Mustang Band.

“We hope folks will come joins us for great music and food to show their support for the kickoff of a great 2017 season,” said Shafer.