Some say it takes two to tango, but for the Norwin Marching Band, it takes 120.

The band has been rehearsing for its new show, "Tango with My Shadow," since June. It unveiled the show last week, during its first public performance after three weeks of band camp this month.

Jess Henry, senior band president and trumpet section leader, said the band has been working on show since June.

After months of work, she said it feels pretty good to see the show come to life.

"When you see the schedule we have, you see non-stop rehearsals and you think it's a drag," she said. "But on our last full day of band camp, looking back at everything we've done, it's just unbelievable how far we've progressed."

Band director Robert Traugh said band organizers started designing the show in December, when they chose the show concept and arranged the music.

"We had most of the music done by May, and that's when students start scheduling for band," he said. "That's when we start rehearsals, with students coming in one night a week to do all the basics."

Every song in the show is based on traditional tango music, while incorporating modern harmonies and music.

"The show is very different from anything we've ever done," Henry said. "The music has a darker tonality and is very powerful, and we hope it will appeal to the audience in a different sense because it's more dark and mysterious."

Junior field conductor Nick Cirucci echoed Henry, saying the show is an extremely intense production.

"It's a really fierce, vigorous and energetic show with everything we do -- even the warm-ups," Cirucci said.

Senior field conductor Cary Cochenour said the band is ready to compete again after last year's successful season. The band took second place overall in Bands of America Massillon Regional competition, ninth place out of 56 bands in the Bands of America Super Regional competition in St. Louis, and second place overall in the PIMBA State Competition.

The band is taking on two more Bands of America competitions this year, along with five local band competitions.

The show, Traugh said, fits well into any situation.

"It's very high-energy and works just as well at a football game as it would at a competitive show," Traugh said. "It's something the students have just latched onto and are really excited about."

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The Norwin Marching Band performs at more than just halftime shows-- it is an active, competitive band. The band will be performing on the following dates:

Band schedule

• Sept. 12: Kiski Band Festival

• Sept. 19: Norwin Band Festival

• Sept. 26: Homecoming Parade

• Oct. 3: Mars Band Competition

• Oct. 17: Bands of American Regional Competition in Massillon, Ohio

• Oct. 24: Bands of America Regional Competition in West Chester

• Oct. 31: East Allegheny Band Competition

• Nov. 7: PIMBA Championships at Gateway High School