Hartford Emerald Vanguard presents 2026 show, “Monsters”
The Hartford High School marching band, Hartford Emerald Vanguard, has been working hard on their 2026 show “Monsters.” It is a fun show that contains themes from Jaws, Godzilla, Frankenstein, Jurassic Park, and the Monster Mash. The band competes in the Scholastic Marching Band circuit and participates in the Cassopolis Exhibition. They will perform in four scholastic competitions during the 2026 season.
Director Derek Clements’s biggest advice when it comes to competition is “what they do at the competition doesn’t matter, it is the work they put in the months leading up to the competition. The competition part is just to show everyone what we’ve been doing. I tell the kids to be ready to show them how awesome you are!”
The public only sees a small portion of the work put into Friday night performances and their competitions. “People underestimate the amount of hours the students and staff put into the show. People see the ten minute halftime show but don’t see the hours at band camp, Monday night rehearsals and even class time, also rehearsals before competitions. The public also underestimates the amount of parents it takes to help with the uniforms and help load and haul the truck and trailer.”
