22 minute read
All of Us, All the Time
HOW LOCAL MARCHING BANDS BRING THEIR BEST TO SHOWTIME
BY TORY IRMEGER
At halftime, the stadium energy shifts as fans get up to mill about, hit the concession stand, or strike up a conversation while the game is on pause. Across the field, however, the marching band stands at attention in perfect silence. Crisply uniformed and toting instruments of all shapes and sizes, the band members await the conductor’s signal. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s showtime.
The halftime show is a beloved marching band tradition, reflecting a long-lasting love for music, friendly competition, and community pride. As part of a five-month marching season, Friday night performances are essential to prepare the band for competitions throughout the region. Of course, halftime shows also have the added benefit of delighting football fans and encouraging school spirit all season long. Here, we take a closer look into the Chattanooga area bands who live, practice, and play by the mantra: it takes all of us, all the time.
Dalton High School's Catamount Band
Dr. Joshua Walker, Band Director
The Dalton Catamount Band is gearing up for an exciting marching season with fresh faces.
This school year marks Dr. Joshua Walker’s inaugural year with the Dalton High School Band, although he’s no stranger to the program. “I had taught the band camp a few years back and just really loved the group of kids in the program. I always thought if that job comes open again, I’d love to get back with that school,” he says.
The joy of the band program is contagious, as the Dalton Band has a long history of student participation and community support. Like many other musical programs, the band’s spirited performances support more than just athletic teams. The band shows up throughout the year for school and community events. These relationships are reciprocal, as Walker explains: “It may be just six minutes on the field playing the fight song, but we support the community because they support us.”
This band-community engagement extends to the musical selection for the halftime show. While well-known rock and pop songs are sure to win an audience, bands also have a huge catalog of classical and marching tunes to pull from. Two highly competitive leagues – Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International – showcase the best of the marching arts and continually influence high school band programs. Walker keeps a pulse on these arenas, as well as other parts of the arts world, including Broadway shows and concerts.
“Musical inspiration can come from anywhere,” Walker says, “and even with less popular tunes, a lot of people are able to recognize the melody, even if they don’t know what it is. Maybe they’ve heard it in commercials, at a concert, or somebody playing it at the piano. We try to keep the music relevant to everybody.”
Pick out some familiar melodies or learn new ones in the Catamount Band’s 2024 show “Rhapsody,” featuring Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” and a medley of Spanish folk tunes.
Ringgold High School's Marching Tiger Band
Tracy Wright, Band Director, 1993-2024
The Ringgold Marching Tiger Band is sustaining a musical legacy.
Recently retired director Tracy Wright reflects proudly on the heritage of the Ringgold Band, which emerged in 1952 and later grew exponentially under the direction of Robin Christian, Wright’s predecessor. The band’s accolades include performances at Carnegie Hall, parades across the country, and 11 marching band championships in the last eight years.
Some memorable shows over the years include a commemoration of the Apollo 11 mission, a gladiator-inspired show, a Robin Hood theme borrowing music from the 1991 film, and a performance telling the story of Irish immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. “We have a very traditional element to the band at Ringgold: playing well and marching well,” Wright says. “Whatever the show is going to be about, the band has got to sound good and marching fundamentals have to be strong.”
It sounds simple, but band traditions aren’t built in a day. Wright names several directors who were instrumental in building band programs throughout the Chattanooga and North Georgia region: Dale Shaffner at Rossville, Jim Souders at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, and Lydell Self at Gordon Lee. “These were the bands that inspired us at Ringgold,” Wright shares, “These were the guys we looked up to when it came to the kind of band program that we wanted.” Looking forward, Wright commends the many regional band directors in Catoosa County for their dedication to promoting this music tradition.
Even the strongest programs are hit with obstacles, such as the coronavirus, which stunted music programs across the globe. Catoosa County also felt the long-term effects of the severe tornado outbreak during April of 2011, during which the Ringgold High Arts Center was damaged. “I taught band for two and a half years in a double-wide trailer while the school was being rebuilt,” Wright recalls. “We just had to really think outside the box during that time.” But with the support of administrators, parents, community members, and dedicated students, Wright says, “band people are able to overcome any curveballs that are thrown our way.”
Now under the direction of Caleb McDonald, the Ringgold Band is proud to present this year’s show, including selections from Kevin Day’s “Dancing Fire,” Ernesto Lecuona’s “Malagueña,” and “El Tango de Roxanne.”
Soddy Daisy High School's Marching Trojan Band
Joshua Light, Band Director
Students in the Soddy Daisy Trojan Band are soaring to new heights.
Once upon a time, marching bands drew from their military roots and stuck to traditional rank and file marching styles, but that’s no longer the case. Soddy Daisy director Joshua Light explains that the marching arts have evolved into full theatrical productions: “The programs now involve more than simply marching and playing. Students have to be able to portray a character and perform choreography on an individual and collective level.” Costuming, props, voiceover tracks, sound design packages, and electronic elements are now par for the course in competitive programs.
The Soddy Daisy band is coming off a successful season after earning the title of Grand Champion at last year’s Foothills Classic Band Competition, held at Seymour High School. They look forward to another competitive season, including hosting their own contest, the Trojan Marching Invitational. Hosting a contest is a great opportunity to mingle with other regional bands, get inspired, and flex the best of Trojan might at the end of the day. “Our students love being the feature group at the end of the evening and performing in front of all the different groups at the contest. It’s always one of the best events of the season,” Light says.
Light praises his students for their hard work and commitment to the band program. “Our students are so incredibly talented and multi-faceted. Not only are they involved in band, but most of them are active in all parts of school. They’re at the top of their class in academics, scoring high on standardized tests, leaders in campus clubs, participants in various sports, hold jobs, all while participating in church youth groups and various community programs. I learn daily that students today are capable of so much more than we give them credit for.”
To support the Marching Trojans this season, catch their blazing show “Reign of Fire,” including arrangements from Stravinsky’s “Firebird” suite, Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” “Misty Mountains” from “The Hobbit” films, and Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.”
Ooltewah High School's Marching Band
Joel Denton, Band Director, 1981-2018
Michael Griffith, Current Band Director
The Ooltewah band program is rebuilding an identity of distinction.
Those who have been to a football game at Ooltewah are likely familiar with the marching band’s distinctive costuming. Since the early ‘90s, the band has donned many personas: pirates, fencers, baseball players, Ozians, and even Santa Claus. Joel Denton, who directed the Ooltewah band for 37 years, explains how this costuming initiative shaped the band program: “Things were changing in the marching band arena. When we went to the Bands of America Grand National Championship in 1993, we were among the first in the country to costume the entire band, and that became our signature.”
This reputation led the band to several notable performances over the years, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Disney Christmas Parade, and the Rose Parade.
Unfortunately, shortly after Denton’s retirement, the coronavirus interrupted school music programs across the globe. “Lots of music educators in Tennessee did some pretty incredible work keeping their programs going that pandemic year, but it hurt bands all across the country,” Denton says. The Ooltewah Band, which averaged around 110 members during Denton’s tenure, was only 26 students strong when current director Michael Griffith joined the program in 2022.
Looking to the future of the program, Griffith says, “Participation has doubled in the past three years, and I’d like to see the band have a hundred students again. It just takes time to rebuild the institutional memory, as well as relationships with the middle schools.” Another task is to make the program more accessible to changing student demographics, which will include a return to traditional uniforms while still maintaining the distinction that identified the band so many years ago. Griffith adds that the band boosters are continually accepting donations and sponsorships, particularly as they raise support for this new set of uniforms that will serve the band for years to come: “Whether donating meals, instruments, or equipment, community involvement is absolutely essential. We’re just very thankful to be in a community that supports the music and the arts.”
Between the legacy of the band program and the continued efforts of the faculty, school administration, band parents, and community supporters, the Ooltewah band staff is confident in the revival of the band program. Be sure to cheer on the students in this season’s cross-genre program, “That ‘70s Show,” including selections from The Jackson 5, Bee Gees, Redbone, and Queen.
Hixson High School's Marching Wildcats
Torey Hart, Band Director
When director Torey Hart looks at the Hixson High Marching Wildcats, she sees a family.
“Our students come to the band room to celebrate the exciting moments in their lives – when they’re accepted to a university, get their first job, or get their first car. My students rely on one another through all the good and bad moments in their lives.”
This camaraderie, found on the practice field as well as in the stadium, is the bedrock of the Hixson High marching band. “We build this community by encouraging older members to include our new members immediately,” Hart says. “This year we hosted a mini-camp where we spent a few hours bonding, playing games, and getting to know one another.” Band members also have the opportunity to practice student leadership, which cultivates communication skills, discipline, and determination – in addition to the technical musical and marching skills.
With this foundation, musical ensembles become greater than the sum of their parts, and this is especially evident in marching performances. A missing member leaves a gap in the drill and in their instrumental section. “There are no sidelines in band,” Hart iterates. “We don’t ‘bench’ kids because every single performer in our program is important. We constantly remind our students that they matter and their contributions to the band are essential for our success.”
This season’s show is inspired by “childlike wonder and whimsy,” using fragments of the poem “Second Star to the Right” by Justin Farley to infuse imagination and wonder throughout the performance. Hart, like her students, is always willing to learn and evolve as an educator and musician. “Marching band is an evolving art form. As it changes, so too must I.” She’s excited to incorporate electronic components in this year’s show: “Most modern band programs use electronic equipment to complement the story they tell on the field or enhance their musical potential. I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to provide this experience for my students.”
In addition to their own competitive season, the Hixson Band is bound to make appearances throughout the community, cheering other groups on. “We play at nursing homes, elementary schools, coffee shops, parades, contests, community events, and the list goes on,” Hart says. “In turn, supporting the band by attending competitions, concerts, parades, and other performances is always appreciated.”
Walker Valley High School's Mustang Band
Tanner Hunt, Band Director
Every season, the Walker Valley High School Band brings out the best in Mustang might.
With a band averaging around 250 members over recent years, it’s easy to be blown away by the sheer volume of the Walker Valley Band taking to the field. The task of director Tanner Hunt and his staff is to coordinate each of these students to move as one for the duration of a seven-minute show, united in both movement and sound.
While students mark the beginning of marching season with band camp in July, the band staff is hard at work year-round designing the next halftime show –developing a theme, writing drill, choreographing dance moves, and arranging music. “We have a wonderful band staff who meets to come up with our show theme each year,” Hunt shares. “Usually, we try to come up with a concept and fit the music around that theme.” The staff must collaborate on their creative visions to design a show that will engage football fans, compel competition judges, and teach technical skills to the students.
“Marching band teaches students teamwork, cooperation, perseverance, and dedication,” Hunt adds. Perfecting drill requires students to consider their position to others around them; learning the music teaches students how their instrument plays a part in the overall soundscape. While other facets of student life might focus on individual performance, marching band asks that students consider how their contributions fit into the bigger picture.
This solidarity earned the Mustang Band two Grand Champion titles in the 2023 season. They look forward to another exciting marching season where they will be performing “#dayinthelife,” the story of student life as viewed through social media. The band will be playing tunes by popular artists like JVKE, Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, One Direction, and the Jonas Brothers.
Signal Mountain Middle/High School's Signal Corps Marching Band
Jessica N. Graces, Band Director
Members of the Signal Corps Marching Band have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
“The marching arts impact our students in a huge way,” says Jessica N. Graves, director of Signal Mountain Middle/High School bands. “It’s truly astonishing to have a program that gives back, provides opportunities for growth, and teaches students to approach circumstances with grace, flexibility, support of others, leadership, strength, kindness, and so on.”
The Signal Corps Marching Band has translated that personal development into group success over the past few years, having earned Grand Champion rankings in the regional circuit, 1st in class across multiple categories, and high rankings at both the state and national levels of competition. Graves adds that the band is working to return to the national stage soon, but she readily acknowledges that not every success means bringing home the gold. She describes how the Corps bounced back from a rough run at the 2023 Bands of America Chattanooga Regional:
“We didn’t have the prelims run we wanted, and the kids knew it. But they didn’t sit in that headspace for long – they encouraged one another and approached the next performance head on. I’m not sure what happened, it could have been the excitement to perform again, the crowd, or some other factor, but THAT was the moment everything clicked for them. They were together as one, and it was palpable before we ever stepped on the field.”
Moments like this remind Graves and her staff that band programs teach much more than technical skills. “We get to teach humans how to be humans,” she says. “I walked into a very welcoming and familial environment with the band directors of Hamilton County, and while we all approach teaching differently, the mindset is there – our kids come first.”
This season, the Signal Corps Marching Band takes “To the Sky” in a flight-themed show, including props crafted by the band parents that will help the band soar to new heights. Graves can’t wait to see the show come together under Friday night lights: “It’s always fun to start a project and see the kids take off with it (pun intended!). The students take everything we throw at them and bring the idea a life of its own, and I’m so excited to watch it all happen.”
Cleveland High School's Blue Raider Marching Band
Jim Burton, Band Director
For Cleveland High’s marching band, every performance is an opportunity to do just a little bit better than the one before.
From parades all over the country to highly competitive Bands of America marching championships, the Cleveland Band has taken on its fair share of exciting performance opportunities. These milestones would be impossible without the year-round efforts of students and staff. In the fall, the culture of the band is developed as students practice, travel, and perform together at games and competitions. In the spring, concert season allows students to hone their musicality and technical playing skills. Year after year, the cycle begins again.
With 35 years of experience under his belt, director Jim Burton has seen plenty of halftime performances, from the practice field to full stadiums. Not every show run will be perfect, but he says, “We can be proud of any performance that has exceeded the sum of its parts.” Week by week, the halftime performances mark cumulative growth as the band matures together: the drill tightens up, the music improves, and the showmanship evolves.
It’s no small feat to march, dance, and play an instrument for a live audience under the stadium lights. “Performing live is a gutsy medium,” says Burton. “These students are learning how to work and deal with others in a team setting all while attempting to accomplish a show through hard work – it can be both challenging and terrifying.” The payoff, however, is the joy of bringing a story to a crowd through music and movement – and a trophy here and there never hurts, either.
To help cheer these students along, Burton urges fans to watch the show at halftime, “then go buy a lot of food in the concession stand.” There are many ways for fans to support the band and keep the music going. “Ask your school’s director or booster program how you can help,” Burton suggests. “Maybe a $20 donation, a discount on a box truck, or 50 cases of water.” It truly takes a village, and every bit helps.
Catch the Cleveland Band in this season’s show, “Fast Forward: The Evolution of Music,” featuring compositions representing music from ancient to modern times.
East Hamilton High School's Marching Hurricane Band
Molly Epperson, Band Director
Members of the EHHS Marching Hurricane Band are learning to be the best versions of themselves.
From hot July band camps to rainy football games and chilly October competitions, band students learn to stick together through thick and thin. “Everything a marching band does is a team-building activity,” says Molly Epperson, director of the East Hamilton High band program. “Every person must contribute 100% of their effort 100% of the time for the performance to have its intended effect.”
Rather than add pressure, this expectation fosters a collaborative atmosphere where students are bolstered by staff and by each other to pursue musical and marching excellence. “Through marching band, we teach endurance, sacrifice, pride in work well done, respect, dedication, creativity – I could go on! These students are learning how to be productive and creative citizens of society in a safe and fun environment,” says Epperson.
The impact of marching band participation carries on long after the music stops. Band staff members have the privilege of watching students take the life lessons they learned on the field into the world. “I am most proud of the successes that my former students have found in life,” shares Epperson. “Many have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and have very successful careers, and many have chosen other paths to success, but I am so proud of all the wonderful people they have become.”
When choosing show themes, Epperson’s staff takes inspiration from all kinds of sources, including movies, influential musicians, and pop culture icons. This year, fans can cheer on the band for their show “High Voltage,” which is an exploration of electricity through music, and Epperson encourages anyone to come out and watch. “The best support (other than donations) is attention. Let those kids know that you appreciate all the work they’ve put in to create something for the world. Listen, clap, and cheer for them! They thrive on that feeling that what they’re doing is giving joy to others.”
Red Bank High School's Blue Lion Band
Wimberly Kennedy, Band Director
The Blue Lion Band is on the hunt for excellence both on and off the field.
Marching excellence is built on muscle memory – day in and day out, students practice the rhythms and movements that will translate the drill into a showstopping performance. Learning to be an active member of your community is built on similar practices, which band director Wimberly Kennedy emphasizes in her teaching. “Whenever we leave a room, we leave it better than we found it. Whenever we move anywhere, we move in time and as a unit,” she says. “I believe that instilling these values helps with everything these students do outside of this band room.”
Members of the Blue Lion Band are also athletes, student council members, on the honor roll, and active in many other student programs at Red Bank High School. As for Kennedy and her fellow educators, they’re dedicated to making the student experience the best it can be. “Every educator here is personally invested in the success of the school and the students inside the building,” she says. “We all have varying circumstances, but I know that every director in Hamilton County is doing everything they can to make sure these musicians get the best education possible.”
The Red Bank band program has been around since 1946, and in her first three years with the program, Kennedy and her staff have incorporated a front ensemble in the marching band, electronic elements, and dance elements to enhance the show. Looking towards this season, Kennedy voices excitement about the potential for growth in the program but admits that raising support is always an obstacle: “We have a booster board full of parents who work incredibly hard, but there’s a high demand on the students and parents to help fund an underfunded program. I would love to see more support from the county and city to help support these programs.”
The easiest way to support the Blue Lion Band is to cheer them on this season for their show, “Just Breathe,” a performance reminding us to breathe through high-stress situations. Through the ups and downs, Kennedy loves to witness the positive impact music programs have on the community. “I love when someone watches our performance and it brings them right back to playing an instrument in high school or college. I love hearing a kid talk about something they’re learning in class that helped them at another audition.” Most of all, Kennedy says, “I love that music makes us all feel a part of something together.”
