With the school year in full swing, the Marching Pride of Jennings County are prepared to have another successful season.
The process started with band camp, a five-day, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. week full of learning and hard work. New and veteran members alike learned the basics of marching band, such as how to take a proper roll-step, march forward and backward, and synchronize their footfalls. Members also learned how to find their “dot” (their spot within a marching formation) and began the difficult task of memorizing the music for their entire show, which can consist of several pieces. Throughout band camp, students have the assistance of many instructors and teachers who have mastered their skills, as well as talented peers and student leaders.
Jennings marching band members have been learning and adding to their show since late July. Marching Pride musicians meet for practice from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week. Many skilled students balance sports, athletics and other extracurricular activities on top of their schoolwork and commitment to the band.
Each practice is led by Chelsey Thompson, the director of bands, or assistant directors Marlayna Pieratt and Jonathan Garrett. The show continues to get better with every rehearsal.
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This year, the band will perform its show titled “Teenagers.” The show portrays the ups and downs of high school life from sitting in boring classes to the high energy of the homecoming dance and finally the bitter sweetness of graduation day. The music arrangements feature elements from artists Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco and My Chemical Romance, which are certain to convey the angst, vitality and passion found in every high school.
You can catch the band performing at many of the Jennings County home football games or find the group attending marching band competitions in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio this year. If you can’t find the time to stop in for a game, the band also performs a community show at the end of the marching season to show appreciation and gratitude to everyone who has made the group such a success.
With strong support from their school and community, it is no wonder that the Marching Pride of Jennings County is becoming an amazing group of brilliant performers.
