Something new and something blue for James Clemens band
James Clemens marching band at band camp this week
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- It takes more than a little wet weather to deter band members at James Clemens High School practicing for the second marching season.
Jets band members have slogged through mud, endured heat, humidity, and dodged thunderstorms on their new practice field near the school entrance.
But that is still an improvement over last season when the band practiced at Liberty Middle School and started the season without uniforms.
This year the band is adding a dance line and the band will have their powder blue uniforms for the full season.
Meg O’bryant, a junior, is the dance team captain. She was on the Bob Jones dance line as a freshman.
“It’s going to be exciting this year, the dance team just joined the band so it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said a mud-splattered but perky O’bryant. “We’re working hard but we are all excited.”
Emily Wittig, a senior, returns as the drum major.
“When I was deciding whether to stay at Bob Jones or come here I saw a lot more opportunity here and drum major was something to reach for,” said Wittig.
The number in the marching band is up to 129 from 87 last year.
Band director Keith Anderson does it all from arranging music to directing the drill.
“The kids have done really well,” he said. “They have been working extremely hard, they know the example they set last year and they want to go beyond it. They understand there is a high expectation for the band program here in the community.”
The field show is called 13 and features songs about superstitions. It features music by Stevie Wonder, Adele, and some movie scores. One thing new this year will be the use of props.
In keeping with the theme, ladders and broken mirrors will be portrayed. Backdrops will be used to frame the scene for the audience.
Many bands use props including Muscle Shoals, where Anderson graduated high school.
Anderson said the complete show will be on the field by the end of September.
A preview show will be held on the band practice field August 15 at 5:30.
