‘Out of the Woods’
CHS Band debuts fantasy show for 2024 marching season
2024 CLINTON DRAGONS MARCHING BAND SENIORS
CHS Band Director Matthew Bimstein said the intriguing production features a forest-like setting and original music by Shawn Pityk, as well as René Dupéré’s “Blue Silk” from Cirque du Soleil’s Zed.
“The show is a fantasy marching band adventure where performers emerge from hidden places in the forest to play, move, and celebrate their secret terrene,” he said.
“We have the field staged to look like a forest with props showcasing trees and a large tree stump,” Bimstein said. “Our color guard flags also highlight colorful depictions of tree branches and flowers.”
The performance includes three soloists: Isabella Rice on soprano saxophone, Regan Cronan on trombone and Sophia Tipton on clarinet.
“Our students have been very receptive to taking on a show that continues to push them both musically and visually,” Bimstein said.
The CHS Band, dedicated to musical excellence, currently consists of 92 members, 15 of whom are seniors.
The seniors are Daniel Batchelor, Caleb Bennett, Ethan Bray, Jacob Burinda, Keaton Cook, Amberly Clay, Bryan Cranmore Jr., Ledgen Goad, Aiden Hepworth, Ella Hill, Lily Hill, Isabella Rice, Amme Russell, Sophia Tipton and Emilee Wagner.
Bimstein noted that 28 freshmen joined this year’s band, a significant achievement that reflects strong support from the school district and community.
“The growth of our program highlights that our community sees the importance of music education and wants their students to be part of our band family,” he said.
“It also underscores the significance of our middle and elementary school programs, which introduce and expose students to music and band.”
The public is invited to see the CHS Band in action at the 11th-annual Clinch River Classic on Saturday (Sept. 21) at Dragon Stadium.
Bimstein said more than 25 bands from Tennessee and Georgia will attend, with judges evaluating music ensemble, music effect, visual ensemble, and visual effect. Caption judges will focus on color guard, drum major, and percussion.
“We are expecting over 4,000 people in our community for this event,” he said. “It will be a great day to see many wonderful groups perform.”
In addition to the Clinch River Classic, the CHS Band will compete in the Karns Marching Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 28; the Bands of America - Johnson City Regional on Saturday, Oct. 19; and the Alcoa Marching Band Competition on Saturday, Oct. 26.
For more information about the Clinton High School Band, visit clintonband.com.