HMB 2023

The try-it experience is about showing potential new members what Hanford Marching Band is about! We will gather in the auditorium to introduce the coaches and student leaders to the attendees, then we will split up into different sections of the band. The colorguard staff will teach students some dance and equipment fundamentals. Our percussion staff will demonstrate the instruments and approaches used in marching band and give students a chance to try them out. Wind players will have the chance to explore marching techniques and play together in an outdoor setting.

All students should wear clothes in which they can move comfortably and athletic shoes, as well as their own water. Percussionists can bring a pair of sticks, and wind musicians should bring their instrument, if possible. All other equipment will be provided. Everyone should also bring an open mind and positive attitude!

Marching band has a place for everyone! No experience is required to come to the Try-It or to be a member of the band. While most of the musicians in the marching band will have been in middle school band, we have students participate in percussion and colorguard every year who come from backgrounds in orchestra, choir, dance, theater, or even no performance experience at all.

The Try-It is free and open to anyone interested, and attending does not mean that you have an obligation to march in the Fall. However, we think that you will have a good time and will want to!

Students will be working with these highly skilled HMB marching instructors:

Adam Hancock - Marching Band Director - Adam was a member of the 2007 World Champion Blue Devils Drum Corps, the 2009 WGI Open Class Champion Rhapsody Winterguard, and has taught marching, music, and colorguard across Washington and the Western US including the Troopers and the Columbians drum corps. He is currently co-director of bands at Hanford High School.

Cole Lobdell - Marching Band Co-Director - Mr. Lobdell is a Hanford Marching Band alumnus and former drum major of the Columbians Drum Corps where he is currently on staff. He is currently co-director of bands at Hanford High School.

Eliud Ayala - Percussion Director - Eliud has worked with many percussion groups in the Tri-Cities and is currently the Battery Caption Head at the Columbians Drum Corps and Impact Percussion. He teaches music in the Pasco School District.

Tyler Figueroa - Front-Ensemble Instructor - Tyler has performed with the Columbians and Impact Percussion. He is currently the Director of Operations at Impact, who were this year’s WGI Open Class silver medalist.

Amy Hancock - Colorguard Director - Amy has been teaching and choreographing colorguard at Hanford off-and-on since 2007. In addition to leading the Hanford Winterguard to an A-class and AA-class gold medal in their most recent two years of competition, Amy was also the Colorguard Caption Head at the Columbians from 2014-2016. Amy is a math teacher in Richland.

Holly Sciuto - Colorguard Instructor - Holly marched many seasons as a performer and soloist with Rhapsody Winterguard in Seattle, and went on to teach that group. She has also instructed the Columbians and Cascades drum corps. Holly is currently pursuing a Masters in Mental Health Counseling.

The Try-It is a completely free event to any Richland School District student currently in grades 7-11, or any student who will be attending Hanford High School next year.

We believe that marching band has a place for everyone with a growth mindset and a willingness to work hard to achieve. No students will be cut from the band or barred from participating due to either skill or inability to pay.

Please reach out to Adam Hancock at adam.hancock@rsd.edu if you have any questions or concerns.