James Clemens Marching Band
Bands return to the field with excitement of vintage rock, hip-hop and disco BY GREGG PARKER
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fter the COVID-19 pandemic limited venues to perform in 2020, local bands have returned to the turf with excitement to again thrill audiences with their mastery of music and motion on the field. In spring 2021, these instrumentalists, color guards, dancers and majorettes handled rigors of auditions for the ranks of their on-field marching band. Next, they memorized music charts and learned the moves of marching formations. In sweltering humidity, they worked at on-campus band camp to perfect the multi-tasking of ‘marching-whileplaying’ skills.
a solo confidently can be challenging in a small band such as ours, but Henry is doing a great,” Schaffer said. The Mustang Color Guard has rehearsed new tosses for this year, including a flag exchange from the 40 to 40 yard lines!” Schaffer said. “Our majorette is planning many different tricks while using one, two and three batons, hoops and light-up baton.” The second movement features “Dancing Queen.” “We hope everyone can get up on their feet and move. Some incredible things are in store during this movement, including our majorette twirling three batons,” Schaffer said. Section leaders in the Mustang Band are role models: Malachi Elkins -- percussion, senior, tenor drums; Henry Tucker -- winds, alto saxophone, sophomore; Raye Speir -- winds, tenor saxophone, sophomore; Evelyn Herrington -- Color Guard Captain, sophomore. The Mustang Band has 20 students marching: Drumline, four; Color Guard, two; and one majorette. “New to Madison Academy this year is the addition of majorettes to our band program. We’re excited to grow and support each student’s talents alongside our Color Guard, Winds and Percussion students,” Schaffer said. Madison Academy plans to attend Northeast Alabama Marching Invitational, Albertville High School, September 25; Scottsboro Marching Festival, Scottsboro High School, October 16; and Alabama Marching Band Championships, Hoover and Pelham high schools, Oct. 30.
MADISON ACADEMY MUSTANG BAND At Madison Academy, Band Director Sara Ann Schaffer said everyone – students, parents, faculty and staff – are very excited for the band to look more normal this year. “We did not do a marching show last year due to COVID-19,” Schaffer said. “We’re so ready to bring it back this year! There is so much more enthusiasm this season already.” Schaffer has collaborated with Color Guard Instructor Kelly Kelley, Majorette Instructor Kristen Bumpas-Troncone and returning Drum Major Molly Southard, a junior, to present “Mamma Mia! Featuring the Music of ABBA.” The show has three movements featuring four songs recorded by ABBA from the musical: “I Have a Dream,” “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.” “ABBA tunes are very recognizable to everyone, even those who have never seen ‘Mamma Mia!’ and have no idea who ABBA is,” Schaffer said. BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOT BAND At Bob Jones High School, Director of Bands Leigh Thomas said band Henry Tucker, saxophone section leader, will perform a solo. “To play members were extremely positive and resilient during camp this year. “We MADISON FOOTBALL 2021
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