Jets Band excels in Hartselle and Rome, Ga. contests

The James Clemens High School Band performs its award-winning “E = JC squared” show at the Southern Hospitality Marching Festival in Hartselle. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The 2014 marching season for the James Clemens High School Band led to numerous awards at both in-state and out-of-state marching competitions.

This year, 155 James Clemens students marched with 100 winds, 19 percussion, 22 color guard and 13 dancers.

The Jets Band joined about 20 other bands to compete in the Southern Hospitality Marching Festival in Hartselle in early October. “Straight superiors,” band director Keith Anderson said about their showing in the Southern Hospitality contest. ‘Superior’ is the highest rating that judges can award a band.

Also in Hartselle, drum major Katie Miller was named “Best in Class.” Miller also earned this top honor at the Dixie Pride Marching Classic, hosted by West Morgan High School Band in Trinity.

“E = JC squared” was the Jets’ 2014 show theme. Anderson said the show represented “everything we want to do and be with our program.” E=JC squared has four movements: Energy, Excitement, Emotion and Evolution.

“The biggest challenge (with E=JC squared) was staying motivated to continuously improve,” Anderson said. “But, that effort was definitely rewarded with a very successful performance at our last competition of the season.”

That last competition was at the 41st annual Peach State Marching Competition at Barron Stadium in Rome, Ga. in late October. James Clemens competed in the AAAA class.

“Their performance in Rome had the best results for the year so far,” band parent Mark McMillan said.

At the Peach State contest, James Clemens won straight superiors in all categories — drum major, color guard, percussion, dance team and overall band performance. The Jets also brought home the coveted “Best in Class” honor.

“There were almost 30 bands in the Peach State contest,” Anderson said. “This show had a great deal of energy and fast moves. The students worked very hard all semester to lock in each form consistently.”

Stuart Tankesley assists Anderson in directing the Jets Band.