It’s not for mere show. It’s a complex of pride, intimidation, and authenticity. Through a solid unanimous beat that expands across the turf, the Bob Jones Marching Band sets the atmosphere for the school’s football team.
As this season’s opening game neared, the band’s leaders shared their high expectations and confidence in this year’s superior group of musicians.
“Our goal is to give a quality halftime show and to be competitive,” states marching band director Doyle Thorton. He believes that this crew’s leadership strength will be their greatest asset in achieving superiority.
Drum majors Elise Stone, Sarah Schumacher, and Hendryck Gellineau all commit to prepping the band for this year’s set of halftime shows. From training at band camp this summer to hours of practice during the very first week of the school year, they show commitment to their team and school.
Schumacher, though a little struck by how quickly her senior year approached her, shares that she’s excited to get this season started. “We’ve got some really good technical players this year. Everyone’s has a will to work, and I know they’ll put forth the effort.”
But peel back a layer and look deeper. Beyond the band directors and drum majors, there’s another set of leaders: the section leaders.
Reighan Bowie explains that she herself has taken a different direction this year by making sure she improves communication with her group of band members. “I always try to motivate them to do better, even when it means making them do push ups for making a mistake.”
Bowie states that it all comes down to practice, correction, and ultimately discipline.
The marching band’s beliefs and tactics were put to the test this Saturday, August 24th in Montgomery, Alabama, during the season’s first football game against Enterprise. When halftime arrived, the sea of glimmering red and white with a sprinkle of blue flooded the turf as the students filed into position.
In retrospect, Caitlyn Kilianski, though proud of the overall performance, states, “It wasn’t perfect, but it can only get better!”
Despite the slight imperfections of the crew, the marching band still played an important role in keeping the football team encouraged with their beats until the very end. With the help of these musicians, the Bob Jones Patriots tackled their opponent with a beat—a final score of 23 to 20.
There’s more in store this fall! Check the Sports Center Page for more information about football games near you!
