CRESTVIEW — A crowd at Jack Foster Stadium sampled musical delights to come when the 280-member 2015-16 Crestview High School band debuted during the Aug. 7 Meet the Band night.
After a summer of rehearsals and band camp, countless hours of drill, and then marrying marching skills with performance, the Big Red Machine's newest edition took to the field.
The band introduced “Brazil,” the opening number of its fall show, “Latin Fire.”
“Latin songs are pretty popular, but hopefully these are some that aren’t done too much,” assistant band director Charlie Anderson said.
“But then, we do end with a standard,” he added, referring to “Maragueña,” the fourth number in the set that also includes “Spain” and “Concierto de Aranjuez.”
The audience was also treated to a “drill down” demonstration, during which band Director Jody Dunn led students through a series of matching commands. Those who made errors had to run to the sidelines while remaining students were put through their paces. Sophomore saxophonist Jolvin Mejias was the sole remaining performer, receiving applause from the audience as well as his band mates.
As a stunning sunset lit the western sky on fire, Dunn introduced “Amazing Grace,” a song the Big Red Machine has traditionally played to close home games for more than 20 years.
“It is an amazing grace that has let me be director for such an incredible band,” Dunn said. “I’m blessed beyond belief.”
“I feel really great!” assistant drum major Amelia Herman said after the performance. “It’s a lot different in practice than actually being in the stadium in front of an audience.”
Dunn thanked the school administration and Okaloosa School District, including superintendent Mary Beth Jackson, for supporting the arts in area schools.
“There are some districts that have decided band is not a priority, music is not a priority, the fine and performing arts are not priorities,” Dunn said. “In some districts, the arts are the first things to cut when budgets get tight.
“That hasn’t happened here. In fact, Okaloosa County is putting money back into the arts.”
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 2015-16 Crestview High School Big Red Machine debuts to packed stadium (VIDEO, PHOTOS)