NORWICH – The Norwich Purple Tornado Field Band will strut their stuff one last time at Ulrich Stadium this season at the Fall Festival of Bands Saturday.

Football fans have gotten a look at the band’s competitive field show before, when they have performed during half time. But this will be the local community’s first opportunity to observe them on their home field in true competition.

According to band director Lansing Dimon, the 65-member group has been practicing since June to perfect their 2009 show, entitled “Gypsy Tapestries - Weavers of Life.”

“The majority of the music ... revolves around the weaving of lives together,” Dimon said. The performance, which has a strong Eastern European influence, includes costuming, flag movement and props which perpetuates that same theme.

While the field band director admits the Purple Tornado got off to a slow start this year in competitions, they have been improving steadily.

“It’s really starting to click,” said Dimon, explaining that Norwich increased their average score by 7 points between the first two shows of the year.

One of the band’s challenges may very well be one of its biggest strengths in coming years.