By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
RCPS Marching Band Exhibition, Sept. 17
tuba-IMG 9506

Love the big sound and bombastic spirit of a marching band? You'll be in for a treat Tuesday, Sept. 17 with the Rockdale County Public Schools Annual Marching Band Exhibition, held at Salem High School.

The free show starts at 7 p.m. This event will feature the marching bands of all three high schools in the county - Salem, Heritage and Rockdale County High. The evening is a chance for band families and friends to check out this season's shows all at one place and time.

There will also be small performance by a RCPS mass band, including middle school band students.

The Salem Seminoles show, "Welcome to Our House," is designed to stir the spirit of Salem. Selections include the Salem High School fight song, "We Will Rock You," "Another One Bites the Dust," "Salem High School Alma Mater," and "Seminole Uprising."

Salem High School Band Director Ben Tingle said the musical selections were chosen with the idea of creating a sense of community at the school. "The musical selections in this year's show are unique to Salem High School and have helped created unity among Salem Seminoles from the past, now in the present, and hopefully in the future."

The Patriots marching band will be rocking out with classic selections including "We Will Rock You," "Open Arms," "Carry On My Wayward Son," "Dream On," "Satisfaction" and "Paint It Black."

Heritage High Band Director Scott Smith said he chose the rock n' roll theme because it would be fun for the students and a crowd pleaser. "It's a show most everyone can relate to," said Smith.

The Bulldogs bring back the classic sound of Motown with "Motown: Yesterday, Today and Forever!" Selections include "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Dancing in the Street," "Get Ready," "Can't Help Myself," "I'll Be There," "Uptight" and "Dancing Machine."

RCHS Band Director Chris Coleman said Color Guard Instructor Lacarey Hunley was instrumental in suggesting the theme to introduce students to the soulful rhythms and tunes.

Coleman said, "Motown was selected as the theme this year to introduce music students to the sophisticated, soulful rhythms and tunes of Motown. Students today are deprived of a lot of the authentic, instrumental music that helped create Motown's musical identity. Motown music was recorded with actual musicians in the studio booth, not keyboards with trumpet, bass, and drum sounds."

"Don't get me wrong, technology is a good thing but we can't forget the bridge that got us here, musically. Just like every other industry, technology in the music industry is used to save money on personnel while allowing numerous instruments to be at the disposal of song-writers and producers at the touch of a button.

"My desire is to expose my students to this era of American music history as well as play music audiences can dance and sing to," said Coleman.

On Saturday, October 19, Rockdale County High School will host the 36th annual Greater Atlanta Marching Festival. This all-day competitive event will feature bands from around the state as well as bands outside of the state.

For more information, go to http://rockdale.k12.ga.us/schools/rchs/Extracurricular/Band/Pages/GAMF.aspx