CCS’ 2022 Marching Band Showcase
posted by Nicholas Robinson-Carter | November 14, 2022 | In Arts and CultureOn October 25, Cumberland County Schools held a two-hour Marching Band Showcase at E.E. Smith High school. The event included a performance from all the high school marching bands from across the school district.
Fayetteville State University’s band fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, helped with concession sales while the sorority, Tau Beta Sigma, was there to help recruit future Marching Band Xpress members.
Tickets were $10 and all proceeds were in support of the district high school band programs.
Not only were high school band students present, but some middle school bands as well.
The program kicked off with Massey Hill Classical High School’s band performing the National Anthem under the direction of Laurence Harvey. This was followed by a performance by Reid Ross Classical School’s band, under the direction of Kaylyn Walter.
The next to perform was Terry Sanford High School’s Marching Bulldogs, under the direction of Chris Langdon with drum major Betsy Shepherd and color guard. The theme of their show was The Power of One. Right after Terry Sanford was Douglas Byrd High School.
Douglas Byrd performed old school classics—from “Take Your Time (Do it right),” “Every Little Step,” “Dilemma,” “Fantasy,” and “Super Freaky Girl” to new school music from Lizzo, Hitkidd & GloRilla. The Marching Eagle Regiment were under the direction of Dominic Hunter along with their drum majors Deja Harmison, Marcus Hernandez and Nico Hernandez.
Under the direction of Thomas Stovall and drum major McKenna Williams, Gray’s Creek High School performed their Star-Crossed routine. This featured music from Wolf Amadeus Mozart, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Abel Koreziowski, and more.
The 71st High School Marching Falcon Southern Sound of Soul came onto the field next. They performed music such as “Just Got Paid” by Johnny Kemp, “Working Day and Night” by Michael Jackson, “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker, and “Get Down on It” by Kool & The Gang. They were under the direction of Breyon Bratcher along with their drum major Joshua Powell and dancers.
The final Marching Band shows were Jack Britt High School’s Villain, Westover High School Mid-South Powerhouse, and the Magnificent Marching Machine E.E. Smith High School.
Jack Britt is under the direction of Tim Parson, drum major Ava Fetcher and their music was featured from Twenty One Pilots and Billie Eilish.
The Marching Wolverines were under the direction of Jeremy Ross. Music featured on the field was “Take My Breath” by The Weeknd, “Nice and Slow” and “Scream” by Usher, “Super Gremlin” by Kodak Black, “N95” Kendrick Lamar, and more.
The E.E. Smith Magnificent Marching Machine took it back old school with music from The Whispers “And the Beat Goes on,” Luther Vandross “Never Too Much,” The Gap Band “Yearning for Your Love,” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” They were under direction of Roosevelt Pratt, Jr. along with their three drum majors Jelani Gaddy, Shamar Curry, and Nela Avery.
To end the showcase, all of the high school marching bands, drum majors, color guards, and band directors played together with special treat from Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. as he directed everyone the field to play “Hey.”
Outstanding night from all the district high and middle school band students.
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