Band plans Community Night

By Donnie A. Lucas

Members of the Ragin’ Red Band will host a Meet the Band performance on Monday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the football stadium to showcase what they have learned during summer band practices, according to director William Vaughan.

Members of the band will be introduced, and a portion of this year’s contest show will be presented to parents and any interested members of the public.

The group will march and play through the show’s introduction, as well as playing the second movement.

The director said that he currently has about 45 members in the band.

“We are still missing a few here and there,” he said. “Rehearsals are going well, but we need everyone here at the same time to live up to potential.”

Practices will continue from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. through Thursday (today), Aug. 11.

Weekly evening rehearsals will normally be held on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the fall in addition to the morning rehearsals that carry over through the first period class time. However, because of Meet the Teacher on Aug. 15, the time will be delayed for an hour and will be held 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., said Vaughan.

Morning practices will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday mornings, and will start at 7:15 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The band period ends each school day at 8:45 a.m.

In addition to marching at football games and playing at pep rallies, the band will compete at marching band festivals in preparation for the UIL contest on Oct. 17 at Abilene Wylie. The festivals are set for Oct. 1 in San Angelo and Oct. 8 at Wylie.

This year’s show is entitled “Shine,” with music arranged by Luke McMillan of Abilene and marching drills by Rodney Gurley of Lubbock ISD.

Last year, the band earned a Sweepstakes Award for only the third time in school history.