Audience members were treated to rockin’ beats and smooth Motown sounds during the Rockdale County Public Schools Annual Marching Band Exhibition, held at Salem High School Sept. 17. The free show featured this season’s shows for the the marching bands of all three high schools in the county.

The Salem Seminoles show, “Welcome to Our House,” is designed to stir the spirit of Salem, according to Salem band director Ben Tingle. 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.”

The Patriots marching band, directed by Scott Smith, rocked out with classic selections, including “We Will Rock You,” “Open Arms,” “Carry On My Wayward Son,” “Dream On,” “Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black.”

The Bulldogs brought 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.”

“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 RCHS band director Chris 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 from outside the state.

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