Night of Bands unites county for show
Published 3:12 pm Wednesday, September 28, 2016
The bands of Marbury, Calera, Chilton County High School, Jemison and Thorsby line up on the field before the Night of Bands on Sept. 27.(Photo by Steven Calhoun)
By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer
Chilton County High School hosted a Night of Bands Tuesday at the CCHS stadium.
Six schools were represented, each playing their own halftime-length show for the crowd. Verbena, Marbury, Thorsby, Calera, Jemison and CCHS each performed.
“We don’t always play these teams, so it’s nice to get to see them and the family of the other bands,” said Erica Street, dance instructor at Jemison.
The bands marched onto the field to the beat of the drum line and stood in formation all at once as a display of unity. The night began with a playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” then the groups prepared to watch the first band play.
“It’s a chance for us all to come together and show each other what we’ve been working on,” said Matt Martindale, band director at CCHS.
The Night of Bands is not a contest, but a showcase of the talent in our area and a chance to appreciate the art. This is one of few chances the bands get to march for an audience outside of a halftime show.
“It’s better because everyone is paying attention to you and not worried about getting a hotdog,” said Martindale.
Each band played their set while the others watched and cheered from the stands.
Meanwhile, in the press box, directors from Huntingdon College’s marching band were recording voiceovers to the performance, giving advice and teaching some things. All the bands will later have a chance to hear the critiques of the judges.
“They get good critiques and it makes the whole experience better for the kids,” said Martindale.
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- The Verbena Red Devil Regiment took the field first and roused the audience with songs from the hit musical Grease.
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- Next, Thorsby’s Southern Pride played a Disney themed show, featuring classics from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.
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- Then Marbury’s North Stars played rock hits such as “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “School’s Out” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
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- Jemison’s Blue Regiment played their “After Dark” halftime show, which included “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, two Elton John hits, and a trumpet solo for “Creep” by Radiohead.
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- After that, Calera’s Soaring Sound of Dixie played a 007 themed show, which included the 007 theme and “Pink Panther.” The Pink Panther plodded along between the players as they marched in formation, and the drum line revealed a surprise: pink lights strung around the rims of their drumheads flashed on when the song started.
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- To end the night, The Pride of Chilton County Marching Band took the field to play its “Home of the Brave” halftime show. The set included “America the Beautiful,” “Shenandoah” and “Taps.” Dancers help up large stars, and the color guard waved flags styled after the Stars and Stripes.
