The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
MARCHING EAGLES LEAD THE CHARGE
High school band has a history of success on state, national level
In a battle of undefeated teams, the Avon Eagles defeated the Midview Middies 42-21 on Sept. 22 in a season defining matchup at Avon’s Joe Firment Chevrolet Stadium at 3075 Stoney Ridge Road.
Leading the charge in transforming Avon’s home field into a fortress were the decorated Avon Marching Eagles.
With a history of success at the state and national level, the 2017 edition of the band is on the forefront of another successful season.
“They definitely take a lot of pride in what they do,” said assistant band director Bryan Hoersten. “They are a pretty conscientious group of kids and they are generally pretty easy to work with. They are there because they want to be there.”
Presently, the band is preparing to head to Westlake on Sept. 29 for a key road matchup before venturing to Avon Lake for a
“They understand that we are there to entertain and support the team and I know they are appreciative of what we do." — Assistant band director Bryan Hoersten
weekend band competition.
Hoersten has been a part of the music department with Avon Local Schools for the past 16 years in a variety of roles from working with elementary and middle school students to band director of the Avon Marching Eagles, a role he has held for four years.
“I wouldn’t trade working with them for anything in the world,” he said.
In 2014, the school welcomed Aaron Jacobs, a 2004 Avon graduate and alumni of the Marching Eagles, who returned home and took the reigns as band director.
Jacobs, who was a student early in Hoersten’s tenure with the district, has seen everything come full circle, building upon the program’s success and the district’s strong support for music education.
“He’s a talented young musician and the kids really respond well to him,” Hoersten said. “I think along with the other assistants, we make a really good team.
“He’s definitely got his
own vision for what we’re doing and leading kids in a really solid direction.”
Working with a younger group in 2017, the Marching Eagles are aiming to make a return to the state championships, a near yearly trip which echoes the program’s a model consistency.
Hoersten said the band has qualified every year over the past two decades with the exception of one season.
“It’s definitely a challenging role,” he said. “Overall, we are a younger band with a smaller senior group.
“But despite that, everyone has been making incredible contributions.”
In addition, Avon has participated in the Bands of America national competition where it has been crowned with regional class championships, gaining national recognition.
Their competition show titled “Into the Wild” is based on a piece of concert band music by composer Robert W. Smith called, “Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual.”
The four movement show is a spin on the jungle explorer theme where band members pull out bright neon orange sashes complete with palm tree props
to give audiences an experience to remember.
Competing for the second year in the AA division, the highest class of competition, the Marching Eagles have held their own competing against several larger programs while helping the Avon Eagles in their march toward playoff glory. With the Eagles riding an undefeated season and jumping to the top spot in the most recent Division II AP polls, the band is wellpositioned for another solid 2017 campaign.
“It has been a lot of fun for the last several years, and (head football) coach (Mike) Elder has done a really great job in leading that program,” Hoersten said. “The athletic and coaching staff are very supportive of our program which makes it nice.
“They understand that we are there to entertain and support the team and I know they are appreciative of what we do.”
After participating the 2011 Division II state championship game against Madison Trotwood in Massillon, Hoersten would not tip his hand about where 2017 will end up, but was upbeat about what is to come.