It’s great to do well in a competition, but when you walk away with all the first place trophies, it’s even better.
The Escambia County High School Band (Blue Legion) swept the top spots at a band competition in Daleville, Ala., last Saturday, September 29.
Band Director Hayley Cockrell said 12 bands competed – ECHS, Monroe County High, Abbeville, Port St. Joe, Geneva County High School, Geneva High School, Opp, Reeltown, New Brockton, Greenville, North Bay Haven, and T.R. Miller.
ECHS won Superior in Color Guard, Drum Major, Band, Majorette, Band, Percussion, and (the big one) Most Entertaining Band (Highest Visual Effect and Highest Musical Effect).
ECHS lost 13 seniors last year, but the current band members stepped up and became leaders.
“We’ve gotten so much help for us this year,” Cockrell said. “Our principal, Mr. Dennis Fuqua, and the board of education helped us with uniforms. Mr. Alex White is a great addition to the band. When we teach together, it’s seamless. Also, some of our seniors who graduated last year came back to help with camp and to mentor.”
Alex White is band director at Escambia County Middle School and assistant band director at ECHS.
Next Saturday, October 7, the ECHS band travels to Andalusia for competition with at least 25 other bands including Daphne, J.U. Blacksher, Opp, Elberta,
Baldwin County, W.S. Neal, Gulf Shores, Daleville.
Note: In the October “atmore” magazine, we have an article about the ECHS band, written before this competition took place.
Not every student is an athlete or a club leader. For some, band is the most important part of school. Please consider supporting this program.