“The 66th Annual Cary Band Day 4A, 5A, 6A Grand Champion: Green Hope High School!” The Green Hope High School marching band swept the 6A class on Nov. 1 alongside Green Level and Panther Creek at Cary Band Day, their last competition of the season. With precision, passion and a performance to remember, the marching band left it all on the field.
A Season of Dedication
The victories gained did not happen overnight. With over 100 members, from freshmen to seniors, the band has been rehearsing since the middle of the summer. From early mornings to late nights, the success of the season was built upon countless hours of rehearsal. Under the direction of Mr. Flowers, the band director here at Green Hope, the band has steadily climbed the ranks, placing high at regional competitions. “I’m proud of the job that the students did to put the program together, but I think what we try to emphasize is making sure each performance is our best effort and preparing for every performance to do our best,” said Flowers.
The Performance that took Flight
Their show, Dracarys, featuring music from “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Game of Thrones,” was a story centered around a dragon’s egg, which eventually hatched and soared. During the show, at the end of Part One, the egg hatches and is revealed to the audience. Throughout the show, more and more dragon elements start to come alive, and we see dragon kites flown across the field by the percussion team. To tie in with the dragon theme, “How to Train Your Dragon” by John Powell is played in the third part of the show while a fire-themed flyover is carried across the field.
Community Behind the Music
Aside from the hardworking members of the band, thanks for the behind-the-scenes work is owed to the dedicated band parents and band staff who supported the band from prop construction to show production. Props like the front screens, back screens, etc. were put together by the roadies, and uniforms were maintained by the band parents. These parents were also chaperones for every single competition, rehearsal and performance and the band staff, who made sure the show was executed the way they had envisioned.
Spotlight on Seniors
For the seniors in the band, this season has meant a lot to them. Four-year band senior at Green Hope Janelle Hu expressed, “I think this season has been extremely special to me, because I’ve been able to see the growth of our band.” Their strong leadership has shaped the band’s culture, and their final performances have carried the weight of years of their commitment. On senior night, the band seniors were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the band program, and weeks later, senior posters were hung across the band hallway for people to sign. As the seniors prepare to graduate, they leave behind a legacy of excellence that will be carried by their fellow band members.
Awards and Recognition
The band not only rallied excitement at football games and pep rallies, but they also received notable recognition for their performances. In addition to winning third at Western Carolina University’s (WCU) Tournament of Champions, the band had also won sixth place at Bands of America (BOA), Delaware’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition, being the top-placing North Carolinian band to attend the competition. The ensemble earned recognition in various categories, such as Best Colorguard and Best Visual at Cary Band Day, tying up the season with an array of awards.
A Season to Remember
On Nov. 13, the end-of-season band banquet was held in the commons and auditorium. This event gave recognition to the band with certificates of participation paired with the medals won through the competitions. Other awards were presented as well, including superlatives and staff-given awards such as Rookie of the Year.
