The Thomasville High School Mighty Tiger Marching Band participated Nov. 4 at the West Alabama Marching Band Festival in Gordo, Ala. The band earned Superior ratings for band, dance, and majorette. They also received Excellent ratings for percussion, drum major and color guard, and Best Overall dance line.
The band performed its “Jazz” halftime show, one of their best in years.
Songs featured in the show include “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock, “Big Noise from Winnetka,” made famous by Bob Crosby and the Bob Cats, and “Malagueña” by the late Cuban composer and pianist Ernesto Lecuona. The choice of the music this year was intended to spark growth in the student musicians, said James Boyett, band director for the Thomasville City Schools District. “I wanted to challenge them with music that were not used to playing.”
The Thomasville community will have another opportunity to see the band perform this Friday, Nov. 10 during halftime of the THS-Dadeville playoff football game at D.F. Anderson Field.
The marching band includes 52 students total. There are 32 musicians. “I have some strong players in several different sections,” he said. “I have several standout players throughout the band.
Boyett praised Lynzi Overstreet, the new dance sponsor. There are eight students on the dance squad. Johanna McNair is back as the sponsor of the four majorettes. Mary Posey and Stephanie Reed are the sponsors of the Color Guard (including eight students).
“…This year’s band has done really well,” he said. “We progressed quicker than normal during band camp (in late July). …I have a little more maturity in the band. The good thing is I have 14 seniors; the bad thing is I have 14 seniors. Next year will be another rebuilding year.”
There is so much value in playing in the band, Boyett said. Students make “life-long friendships and are able to be part of something that is different.” There is a lot of opportunities for college scholarships, he said.
“There are lots of studies out there on how music affects your brain in a positive way.” It improves students’ ability in math and science. “It enhances everything, including social skills. There is really no downside to being in band.” No students should be intimidated by learning an instrument, Boyett said. “There is a learning curve…but it can be done.”
Recruiting in the school system is not difficult, but Boyett said retention is the problem. “I lose them between fifth and sixth grade,” he said.
DISTRICT
ATHLETICS