Nature-inspired
Band brings ‘When the Forest Calls’ to life
SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE 2024 ANDERSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
Calls.”
Jon Larmoyeux, ACHS director of bands, said the show begins with a French horn solo, performed by junior band member C.J. Berg, as the school’s color guard emerges from an ethereal forest.
“The whole vibe is pretty mystical,” Larmoyeux said. “We have several trees on the field and have decorated the front ensemble with different greenery to go along with the theme.”
Throughout the season, Larmoyeux said, the band plans to incorporate additional forest elements into the performance, including a pond.
“The students have really bought into the show idea and themes and seem to enjoy it,” he said, praising the band’s hard work and dedication.
“This is a talented group of young musicians who are growing each day and are committed to the program and representing the school,” he said. “They truly have the Maverick spirit.”
In addition to the halftime show, the ACHS band is expected to attend local competitions, especially now that the members have new uniforms, a major achievement that has been in the works for several years.
“It’s been 12 years since we last bought uniforms,” Larmoyeux said. “Thank you to our community, local businesses, families, and students who have been working hard for the last four years to raise $75,000 for our new uniforms.”
The band also raised enough funds to replace its 16-year-old drums and purchase a trailer to transport instruments and equipment to football games and competitions.
“Again, that is thanks to the hard work and support of our community, local businesses, families, and students,” Larmoyeux said.
This year’s band is led by 15 seniors: Lonna Barnette, Maryn Branham, Ben Clingan, Olivia Graham, Eli Gremillion, Abbi Hatmaker, Cayden Netzela, Evan Rutherford, Daniel Ryan, Nevada Smallwood, Kyle Smith, Hunter Stalnaker, Macey Thomas, Kyden Torres, and Ryleigh Weltch.
Larmoyeux highlighted many of these students for their achievements outside of the marching band program, including Branham, who represents ACHS on the Anderson County School Board. Lonna Barnette, Evan Rutherford, and Kyden Torres are members
of the Drum and
Bugle Corps, which plays Taps and other bugle calls during patriotic events hosted
by the Norris Lions Club.
Additionally, All-State tuba player Ben Clingan has joined the U.S. Marine Corps through its delayed-entry program, and recently passed a rigorous band audition process with top recruiters. He will be assigned to one of 10 Marine fleet bands after completing boot camp at Parris Island, S.C.
For more information about the ACHS band, visit facebook.com/p/Anderson-County-High-School-Band-100064133828252/.
Those interested in supporting the program can send donations to the AC band
at Anderson County High School, 130 Maverick Circle, Clinton, or through Venmo (@ACHSBandBooster).