James Clemens Band attracts highest praise at marching competitions
MADISON – 2022 definitely has been ‘the’ year for James Clemens High School Competition Marching Band. The band and its auxiliary units have ranked consistently high in the ratings . . . even claiming the top spot in scoring for all bands.
Like most bands in the region, James Clemens Band produced two different shows for marching season – one for halftime at football games and one for marching competitions with a panel of judges.
At the Tennessee Valley Invitational Marching Competition in Muscle Shoals. James Clemens earned superior ratings in all categories. Drum majors Aiyana Milligan, Bryan Preer and Logan Thomason were rated as “Best in Class,” and the percussion line and overall band also took that award.
A soloist at the Tennessee Valley Invitational, Kate Owen on flute earned “Best in Class Soloist.”
James Clemens Band also received the “Challenge Cup” and the overall title of “Grand Champions,” which acknowledges the highest average from all judges’ scores. Subordinate to Grand Champion, the “Charles Stratford Challenge Cup” goes to the band with the highest average of scores from three judges.
Keith Anderson, James Clemens Director of Bands, said he could not be prouder of this students’ performance in Muscle Shoals. “They have all been working extremely hard and being rewarded in such a big way is definitely encouraging,” Anderson said. Muscle Shoals High School is Anderson’s alma mater so his bands’ wins were particularly ‘sweet’ for him. (whnt.com)
“It has been incredible what these students have been able to accomplish so far. We took a step forward this year with the demand placed upon each student, and they are responding really well,” James Clemens Assistant Director Brian Sims said. (whnt.com)
“The Subjects of Time,” the 2022 competition show, contains charts from recording artists Van Halen, Jim Croce, Christina Perri, Cyndi Lauper and David Maslanka.
Awards continued to rain down to James Clemens at the Peach State Marching Festival on Oct. 22 in Rome, Ga.
In Rome, James Clemens Competition Band received all Superior ratings, along with “Best in Class” Dance Line and “Best in Class Band.” The coveted “Outstanding Musical Performance Award” went to the Jets. In addition, James Clemens Band was named “Grand Champion” with the highest score among all 24 groups.
James Clemens’ next competition event will be Bands of America Regional at Jacksonville State University on Oct. 29.
This season, James Clemens Competition Band has 175 members from grades 9-12. The band conducts auditions in May for the upcoming field shows in the fall.
