The Cary Band has begun preparations for the 50th Annual Cary Band Day with their summer tradition of band camp that recently concluded. The event is set for Nov. 1. The parade in downtown Cary starts at 10 a.m. and the field show competition begins at noon.

Band members met for 13-hour days over a nine-day period to learn marching technique and drill instructions, and playing in instrument sectional and mass band rehearsals. Each day 25 or more parent volunteers from the Cary Band Booster Club assisted to support the students in many functions.

It has been the tradition of the Cary High band programs to work hard to provide an entertaining show for its supporters. To prepare for the special events to come, the band had several guest speakers including Gerald Edwards, a member of the band at the first Cary Band Day in 1958.

Also, Jimmy Burns and Koka Booth spoke about the band’s traditions and activities through the 1970s.

At the end of band camp Aug. 14, everyone saw the accomplishments of their tireless efforts when the 2008 Cary High Marching Band took the field at Cooper Stadium after a band family cookout. The audience of more than 400 consisted of family, friends of the Booster Club members and past Cary High marching band members.

Matt Minick, director of bands, commended the students for their hard work and perseverance at the show premiere and thanked the staff and parent volunteers for their support over the past two weeks.

The students then showcased the parts of the show they have learned so far. In honor of the upcoming 50th Cary Band Day, this year’s show is entitled “Traditions: Past, Present and Future.” The show is designed to highlight the traditions of the past and connect them to the current trends and traditions of today’s bands.

The 2008 Cary High Marching Band will appear at Lazy Daze during the opening ceremonies this Saturday and will perform parts from this show.

An alumni reception Oct. 31 in the Cary High School auditorium will start the band day festivities.