CRESTVIEW — The thunderous beat of the Crestview High School band’s percussion section and drum line were soon replaced by the rumble of thunder during the Big Red Machine’s 2016-17 debut.
VIDEO: Watch the Big Red Machine debut its "Legends" halftime show>>
PHOTOS: See photos of Meet the Band Night>>
But the drenching downpour that rapidly cleared the Jack Foster Stadium field and stands after the first number didn’t douse players’ and supporters’ spirit.
After two weeks of rehearsal, the 280-member band exuded enthusiasm and proficiency as it rendered a brassy flourish, the school fight song and the national anthem.
“We did ‘two-a-days,’” band Director Jody Dunn said, referring to intense morning and afternoon rehearsals and practices during the two-week band camp.
Dunn credited local middle school band directors, Chris Treadway at Davidson and Kim Whaley at Shoal River, for readying this year’s freshmen musicians for the rigors of a high school band.
‘IT FEELS GOOD’
Band major Kaitlin Cabrillas and her co-majors, Cameron Wakeland and Chloé Berkley, and professional staff including co-director Charlie Anderson and Florida State University intern Preston Cheek, were instrumental in preparing the band for its Aug. 5 “Meet the Band” night debut, Dunn said.
“It feels good,” senior Conner Adams said of being back on the field in his red shirt and white shorts. “Becoming commanding officer of the color guard this year is an honor.”
Although parents, grandparents and other family members and friends packed the north bleachers, one father missed his son’s public debut.
Freshmen saxophonist Anthony Nguyen’s dad, Lt. Joey Nguyen, a Navy reservist, had to report to duty Friday morning. But he knew his oldest son was in good hands.
“The quality of the Crestview High band program is truly amazing,” Nguyen said via text message. “I know my son and his fellow musicians are in the best hands of one of the nation’s best band programs. I look forward to many enjoyable performances when I return home.”
‘A LOT OF MEMORIES’
Among former Big Red Machine members observing the performance was Staff Sgt. Ben Cadle, the 1995 band president, who is a member of the U.S. Army “Pershing’s Own” Ceremonial Band.
The son of former Big Red Machine director and now mayor, David and Shirley Cadle, is coordinating all non-military bands for the January 2017 presidential inaugural parade, Mayor Cadle said.
“This brings back a lot of memories,” Sgt. Cadle said as Dunn announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Big Red Machine!” and the band marched onto the field.
The Big Red Machine had just enough time to debut the first number in its “Legends” halftime show before darkening skies loomed over the field, thunder rumbled and Dunn ended the program.
The brief performance drew praise from attendees, including Dunn’s big boss.
“This is quality,” Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools Mary Beth Jackson said. “I know quality when I hear it. It is my privilege to work alongside Mr. Dunn and all the staff here.”
WANT TO HELP?
The Crestview High School band Boosters welcomes community donations to help with expenses in transporting the award-winning band to out-of-town football games, performances and competitions. Supporters may also purchase Big Red Machine caps, jerseys, hoodies and jackets at CHSband.itemorder.com, with proceeds benefiting the band.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview band gives spirited performance despite rain (PHOTOS, VIDEO)