Known for their passion, precision, and peerless performance, the Green Machine comes back from Syracuse as the powerhouse and pride of Brentwood. Last January, Brentwood Green Machine was chosen to compete in the national class at Syracuse, winning 7th place with a score of 87.
The Green Machine truly immersed themselves into this performance, beginning practices only a week after graduation. From the month of July until August, the band practiced around 2 hours a day. Then, after a one-week hiatus, they jumped into the month of August with 2 nights a week of practice, up until band camp, where the band practiced from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for one full week.
Practice consists of more than the actual playing, but also working up stamina and physical endurance. Band members not only have to hold their instruments but also walk to and lead each other throughout the field.
Behind the incredible performance that Green Machine gave are dedicated students and instructors. The director of Green Machine deserves high praise for his exceptional leadership, through practice and the actual performance of Green Machine. Joseph Sitler has been a part of the Brentwood Marching band since 1986, as a member, instructor, assistant director, associate director, and – since 2009 – as the director.
For years, Sitler has trained and directed the marching band to play in front of thousands of people. His dedication has proved successful in how the band was able to perform with ease and create a beautiful array of sound with different musical instruments. The director, Sitler, oversees what music will be played and the theme of the show, for this year they decided to perform a show on the elements, earth, water, fire, and wind.
The design team worked to find and create original music that works with the theme of the show, as well as deciding to incorporate the hit song “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish and convert the chorus of the song to “what was I made of.”
Green Machine faced certain hurdles this year, with only 96 students compared to the usual 150 students pre-pandemic. Though the Green Machine has lost some its size, the students still have the same attitude and desire to play for and be part of something bigger than themselves.
Another hurdle the band had to face was the rebuilding of both the color guard and drumline. Though the color guard more easily found its footing, the drumline seemed to have started from scratch.
The drumline usually has a goal of 5 snare drums, 3 tenors, 5-man base lines, and a cymbal line, this year’s team only had 4 base drummers, 1 snare drummer, and 1 tenor. But overall, the drumline was able to overcome that issue and play to their absolute best.
“Green Machines’ performance in Syracuse was overall a success for Brentwood,” said Angel Gonzalez, drumline leader. “Even through their initial struggles, the Green Machine was able to play one of the most intricate and beautiful performances since the pandemic.”
Green Machine is also on pace to grow in members as well as maintaining a strong foundation of leaders for the upcoming year. We can only expect that the Green Machine will continue to bring pride and success to Brentwood High School.
Click below to view a gallery of photos from the Green Machine’s home show:
