JCHS Band Hard at Work for the New Year

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

There may be a few days before the school year kicks off, but there are already several groups of students hard at work. One of these groups includes the Jefferson County High School Marching Band, who had their band camp this week.

Working diligently from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the sweltering heat of July, the Jefferson County Band is proving how much hard work is paying off. Learning all new music for this year’s halftime show, which will feature music from Cirque Du Soleil, freshening up on traditional fight songs, and learning their marches are just a few things that are being covered this week. With Mr. Greg Jones at the helm, along with this year’s drum majors, Sara Landreth, Levi Parks, and Delaney Doggett, the Jefferson County Marching Band is the largest the high school has seen in recent memory. The last few years have seen unprecedented growth, and this year is no different. This year the band has jumped up to 155, and there were several students who were not able to make it to band camp. By the time everything is said and done, Jones believes that they could go well over 160. That’s not including the Color Guard Team, which has an additional 20 members. This year’s Jefferson County High School Marching Band is sure to be an impressive sight.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

The growth that the band has experienced is fantastic, but has presented it’s own share of problems. There is now a shortage of band uniforms, and other financial shortcomings. Currently, there are 120 uniforms and, as previously stated, almost 160 members. Uniforms are not the only problem, as halftime entertainment is not the only project that the band has throughout the year. Drums, woodwind, and jazz ensembles are just a few of the entertainment and services that the band department offers, and these things also take funding. Jones and the Band Boosters are asking the community to help out however they can, including taking corporate sponsorships. More information is available by contacting Mr. Ben Simerl, Band Booster President at 865-712-3196.

The Jefferson County Marching Band will continue to work once school is back in session, and is gearing up to be one of the best the county has seen.