In March 2020, the whole country shut down due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. This affected every way of life, from businesses, to schools, to state and local parks. This nation was shaken by the pandemic, some were scared for their health while others believe that it was a hoax. During the pandemic, racial and political turmoil lead to an extremely divided nation. This led to Booneville Band Director Brian Rhodes to change his High School Marching Band's halftime show to something that would bring his students, school, and community together in this trying time of our country.
For their 2020 Halftime show, the Booneville Bearcat Marching Band presents, "God Bless America". The halftime show contained music and visuals that brought their audience back to the core foundations of our country. Bits of the Star Spangled Banner, Grand Ol Flag, Johnny Comes Marching Home were arranged in the opener of the show called, “Star Spangled Spectacular.” Which then led into the Second Movement, “Land of the Free” featuring, My Country Tis of Thee and a percussion feature of Yankee Doodle. To end the Second Movement, taps were played by the Drum Major, Trenton Rhodes, on the podium and two other trumpet players on the field. Trenton had this to say about Taps, "When I would turn around to play "Taps," everyone was standing and looking at the flag being extremely respectful. It was an incredible thing to experience." The Third Movement of the show was called, “God Bless the USA”, and it featured the Booneville Color Guard and a trumpet trio.
Not only was the music moving but the Color Guard added a phenomenal patriotic visual effect to the show. During the show the guard wore red, white, blue, and silver uniforms. They used an array of flags that depicted the American Flag and solid red, white and blue flags. To end the show, the guard revealed a hidden American Flag during “God Bless the USA" along with Red, White, and Blue streamers being pulled out in between the band on the field. During the final movement, the band members formed a rectangle block and then turned backfield. On the back of each band member’s uniform was a Red, White, or Blue square which in this block revealed an American Flag. The band always started and finished the show by facing the American Flag in the stadium.
This show was not what the band members were expecting but they would not have changed a thing about their show. Trenton described his experience, "Every game we played, it was special to see that our halftime show was a time of respect and reverence for our country and service members." Multiple band members had close family members that served in the military and fought in the Vietnam War and World War II. Performing this halftime show to honor the soldiers who gave their life or fought four our freedom meant something to these students. Sarah Grissom, whose grandfather served in the armed forces had this to say, "As Color Guard, I was excited for the flowy Latin theme but after hearing the music, I was really excited for the show and my senior year. The girls were amazing and they made the year count. That was my goal as a senior for marching season." Mr. Rhodes had several Veterans approach him with positive remarks about their show! "I found the music really enjoyable and the whole show was fun to play and march. Seeing the end product was satisfying and great," said Raymond Newly.
Over the past year, this country has faced an incredible amount of hardships. Many issues have arisen that have divided this country and turned Americans against each other. If for just 10 minutes, we as a community could come together and remember what this country means to each other then I feel the Booneville Marching Band accomplished this goal. During a time of fear and separation, the students, staff, and community of Booneville paused and reflected on what it means to be an American. As John F Kennedy said in his Inaugural Address, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
Article Cover Photograph belongs to Josh Walker
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