Six Flags Marching Band
by Mark Finley, Six Flags Band, 1985 & 86
[Click on Pictures for Larger Views]
In 1985, Six Flags brought back a feature that had 
been
missing from the park since the early days, a marching band. This generation of
musicians would be very different from the military style of the early 60’s.
This band would be made up of the most talented, energetic young players in the
Metroplex, and they would play all styles of music including funk, jazz, popular
music with a big band feel, and yes, even the occasional march. Brought out the
archives was the Six Flags Over Texas march, which had not been heard in
over 20 years until resurrected by the new band.
In 1985, the new band started the day
by playing at the front gate, greeting the first visitors of the day with
traditional marches. Every show after that was in various location in the park,
including the base of the tower, (and sometimes the top of the tower) the modern
section, and outside the Southern Palace. The latter location soon proved to be
the spot the band became famous for, because the band timed their arrival in the
area with the southern palace crowd exit. The crowds were enormous, and it was
not unusual to see people climbing trees to get a better view of the high-energy
show. A typical show would include extended jazz solos, synchronized dancing,
and sometimes a romantic ballad played to members of the crowd.
1986 brought the 25th anniversary of the park, and a nighttime parade
that wound from Good Times Square to the Texas section. The Band followed the
parade with a closing set outside the Texas train depot. The Band also appeared
in, and recorded the soundtrack for a Television commercial, was featured on the
morning show of a local FM radio station, and won first prize for a musical
group in the Arlington Fourth of July Parade.
Starting in 1987, Six flags contracted out the
on-grounds entertainment to a lessee. Older professionals from the area replaced
the younger musicians, which changed the energy and appeal of the group. By
1990, the marching band program had been cancelled altogether.
Last update: Wednesday, July 04, 2007
been
missing from the park since the early days, a marching band. This generation of
musicians would be very different from the military style of the early 60’s.
This band would be made up of the most talented, energetic young players in the
Metroplex, and they would play all styles of music including funk, jazz, popular
music with a big band feel, and yes, even the occasional march. Brought out the
archives was the Six Flags Over Texas march, which had not been heard in
over 20 years until resurrected by the new band.
