The Jesuit Ursuline Ranger Band (JURB) performed their 2023 halftime show, Music For A Dark Night, at home for the first time last Friday (9/1). The show, inspired by the works of film composer Danny Elfman, contains music from The Dark Knight (1989), Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Tales of the Crypt (TV, 1989), and Spiderman (2002).
After asking some of the band’s upperclassmen what made the first home game special to them, Drum Major Brandon Gibson ’24 said “The first home game is a very special time, we get to show off our track march and our show to the student body, and we also get to show the freshman what home game energy feels like”; Thomas Westerman ’25 (Mellophone Lieutenant) remarked “the first home game means showcasing [JURB’s] potential to the student body for the first time. Woodwind Captain Emma Morales ’24 (flute) agrees, saying “The first game is always special because it’s our first time playing on our home field! It’s awesome to see all our hard work pay off.”
The Hidden Challenges of Band
Many view band as just a small piece of a football game, but in reality, band is much more complex. Besides just the halftime show, band members also need to know how to play many different stand tunes, a song for the Rangerettes, and visuals for drumline cadences.
Percussion members must learn how to play these cadences, too. While this seems like a significant challenge, every band member must also learn how to march properly. To do this, band camp began July 31, 2023, at 7:00 AM. The band rehearsed eight hours a day for about two weeks, both inside and out, culminating in their opening performance at Hebron. Last Friday (Jesuit vs. Rockwall), the band performed their first home show of 2023.
Behind The Scenes
Before most of the fans arrive, the band marches onto the track, where they march all 400 meters around, led by the drumline, who play cadences and prepare for the start of another game. Before the game begins, Home and visitor fans alike rise for the National Anthem, played by JURB. It is a beautiful moment, seeing everyone standing in support of their country, led on by the band. Throughout the first half of the game, the band will play stand tunes and cadences, watching for great plays and big scores. However, for the band members, the magic begins to build about 10 minutes into the second quarter. At this time, they leave the stands and begin to warm up for the coming halftime performance.
Showtime
Last Friday, Rockwall’s Orange Wave Band performed their show first. After they marched off, It was JURB and the Rangerette’s time to shine. 
To start, JURB played Rolling Stone’s “Paint it Black” for the Rangerettes. Then, the band began to move into the opening set, a moon and stars. As Danny Elfman’s “Batman Theme” began, the band continued to make other symbols on the field, culminating in the Bat-Signal on the field. Finally, JURB runs into a “J” shape and performs the fight song, signaling the end of the show. You can view a recording of the performance here.
After Halftime
Even though the halftime show ended, the band is not done performing. At the start of the third quarter, the band is allowed a break to eat food and rest for a bit. However, for the drumline, the same horn that signals the start of the second half signals that act two is just about to begin. Student section drumline is one of the most exciting parts of the game for percussionists. The drumline marches over to a roaring student section, the excitement building. Both cheerleaders and musicians work together to create great entertainment for the students. Drumline Captain Kerian Welborne ’24 (tenors) has this to say about performing at the student section: “It is so fun to see friends I’ve made throughout my years at Jesuit dancing along to our cadences, it is a fun time all around.”
During the fourth quarter, the band goes back to playing stand tunes, similar to the first half. Last Friday, with a game as close as it was, the directors had to make sure we were 
not distracting the Rangers, so the band only played when Jesuit was on defense. An arrangement of Holst’s Mars, the Bringer of War, was a major anthem played by JURB to support Jesuit’s defense and distract the Rockwall offense. The game was hard-fought and well-won (Rangers 60, Yellowjackets 59), the first time in ten years that Jesuit had defeated the Yellowjackets.
After the Game
After the game, the directors give feedback and we review our hard work from the night. Mr. Putnam reflected on the night, saying “Last Friday’s game was probably one of the top five wins in my 25 years here at Jesuit. Before the game, the band talked about the importance of playing for every moment to provide energy and support throughout the event. Really impressed with how the team stuck together and fought through some tough moments only to come out on top in the end. What a game!”
The Jesuit Ursuline Ranger Band performed with precision and energy last Friday, it truly was a game and performance to remember! If you have an interest in any form of music, feel free to email Mr. Putnam at dputnam@jesuitcp.org to find your place in Jesuit’s music programs.
