North Augusta High School Marching Band Season Begins Alongside Football

North Augusta Kicks Off Marching Band Season Alongside Football

North Augusta, SC – As summer fades and the school year begins, one of the most anticipated traditions is back: marching band season. At North Augusta High School, the North Augusta Jacket Regiment is gearing up for an exciting year filled with music, competitions, and of course, Friday night football games.

Preparation Begins Early

The preparation for the marching band doesn’t start at the beginning of the school year. According to Marching Band Director Chuck Deen, work begins immediately after the last season ends. “I start after this marching band season for the next one and just planning on getting our show concept, prop design, music selection,” Deen explains.

After a short break following the end of school, the band members returned for two Tuesday mini-camps in June. “We had two camps from 6 to 9 p.m.,” said Deen. Following that, the students had the week of the July 4 holiday off before a full band camp began the following week. “We had four days and then two mini camps, and now here we are in school,” he adds.

Adapting to Weather

As the band prepares for competitions, the heat has become a significant factor. Deen noted that evening practices during school typically run from 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., but weather conditions significantly influence their schedule. “If it’s too hot, we’ll stay inside longer to practice before making our way to the field,” he said. Senior band member, Gaby Cordez, plays the piccolo and shared that while practice is challenging due to the heat, they always find ways to enjoy it.

A Unique Theme for the Year

Every year, the marching band has a central theme for their performance, and this year, the theme is The Edge of kNIGHT. Deen explained that this performance is their version of Cinderella and her knight. “The kids like things that are a little bit classical and darker in sound,” he mentioned. This year’s show features pieces from Russian and Germanic operatic classical music, and the band members are excited about the challenge and creativity involved.

Upcoming Competitions

The competition season is set to kick off for the Jacket Regiment on September 14. During this event, the band will host the Bands Across the Savannah clinic exhibition, which will feature several local schools including Midland Valley and Silver Bluff. “It’s a very small event and then we’re hoping that night to have kind of a full-blown competition where we hope some of the Richmond County and Columbia County bands will come over,” said Deen.

Friday Night Lights

In addition to competitions, the Jacket Regiment performs regularly at North Augusta High School football games on Friday nights. Deen expressed his excitement for the year, stating that showing off their creative show and participating in competitions are the highlights he looks forward to.

As both the marching band and football season unfold, the community anticipates a spirited atmosphere filled with music, rivalries, and school pride. With vibrant performances to come, the North Augusta Jacket Regiment is excited to not just play music but also create lasting memories on and off the field.