The marching band seats at Stutler Bowl were more crowded than usual during the Sept. 17 football game between Creek and Monarch. That's because more than 60 eighth-grade musicians from Campus and West middle schools took part in the 6th annual "Middle School Band Day" sponsored by the Cherry Creek High School Marching Band.

"We invite the kids over to see what we're all about," said Sara Wynes, Associate Band Director at CCHS. "They see that high school marching band is hard work and that the students are focused on playing and performing well, but they also see that it's about having a ton of fun with friends and creating a lot of school spirit."

The middle school students joined the Bruin Band members for an after school practice where they learned the basics of marching. Then they had dinner with the high school students, played with them in the stands during the game, and watched them perform at halftime.

"You get to learn about marching band and how it all works," said Campus student Dylan Sahm, who plays the drums. "It's been pretty fun."

"It's pretty cool, seeing the percussion play and what they have to do" said Campus student Brian Moore, also a drummer.

Hayley Chase, a West student who plays the flute, was glad she came. "I thought it would be fun and I wanted to look into it. It's so spontaneous. You don't know what's going to happen next," she said.

The goal of Middle School Band Day is to let eighth-grade musicians know about the many benefits of high school marching band. The biggest is having a huge group of friends - from freshmen to seniors - before school even starts. Band members develop teamwork and leadership skills and improve their musicianship. They also get to perform at school events, band competitions and community events such as the Denver Parade of Lights. Every other year the band travels to Florida or California to perform in parades or special events.

"It's a big commitment, but it's worth it," said Meri Bouzari, a sophomore who plays the flute. "You get to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of fun."

For more information about the Cherry Creek High School Marching Band, visit www.cchsbpa.org or contact Band Director Tim Libby at tlibby@cherrycreekschools.org.