Bay Winds get into the swing of things

They pass through the heavy double doors in a steady trickle. They nod to the night cleaning staff that recognizes them all on sight.

Padding into the cavernous band room, they sit down and begin tinkering with their instruments.

A tiny, grandmotherly musician with a crinkled grin stands alongside a drum that is taller than she. A single tap releases an ominous boom.

Tuning up is a casual affair on Tuesday nights. In ones and twos, musicians glide into the silent, semi-darkened main hallway of Annapolis High.

Members of the 50-member Bay Winds Band - the Anne Arundel Community Band conducted by longtime Annapolis...