Local gets to play for Sounders
March 24, 2009
By Laura Geggel
Snoqualmie Middle School’s own Dean Snavely played for Seattle’s new soccer team, the Seattle Sounders March 19, when they won 3-0 against the New York Red Bulls.
Granted, Snavely was not dribbling on the field, but playing the tuba. The middle school music director auditioned for the Seattle Sounder’s FC Sound Wave Band over Valentine’s Day weekend and joined as one of the group’s 53 musicians.
Drew Carrey — comedian, host of the “Price is Right” and part owner of the Seattle Sounders — is the band’s brainchild. He found several sponsors to jumpstart the Sound Wave, including QFC, King Musical Instruments, Mills Music and Adidas.
The band played at the North Bend QFC March 22 as Seattle Sounders players autographed paraphernalia for fans.
Snavely said many of his students came to watch and cheer. The infectious excitement for the Seattle Sounders spread across the QFC parking lot, just as it did at Qwest Field during the team’s debut.
“It was insane,” Snavely said. “It was one of the coolest experiences of my life.”
He called himself a “fair weather player,” as he grew up watching other Sounders games.
When asked if he would consider himself a soccer fan now, Snavely did not hesitate in his answer.
“I am now,” he said. “Being there live is a whole other experience: 32,000 people never sat down.”
In addition to playing Sounder’s songs, the FC Sound Wave Band plays a medley of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and more. They will play at the next soccer game at 7:30 p.m. March 28 against Real Salt Lake at Qwest Field and from 1-2 p.m. at the Issaquah QFC, at 1460 N.W. Gilman Blvd No. 1, May 31.
Music Director Keith Rousu, who is also the director of the Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline, will lead the band at local promotional events, like opening day for the Mariners, as well as at all of the Seattle Sounder’s home games.
“We don’t travel with the team yet,” Snavely said.
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