Big Band Theory

By Mia Freneaux
    Talking to James Henderson, Musical Coordinator for the Central Community School System and Marching Band Director for Central High School, the excitement is palpable.  Mr. Henderson was hired last year to oversee the music programs throughout the Central system.  He hit the ground running, and the music programs are reflecting his energy and passion.  “I was new last year, it was different,” he shares.  “This year it’s been amazing from the get-go.  I could tell everyone really understood what was going on.  They bought in to the way that I do things and really wanted it to succeed.”  
    This year the Marching Band has received Superiors in competition for the Color Guard, Drum Line, and Drum Major and has experienced great growth.  Part of the success is due to the hiring of a new Band Director at the middle school, Thomas Huckaby.  His unique teaching style has fueled enthusiasm among middle schoolers, preparing them for a successful high school band career.  8th graders are invited to play with the high school band’s pregame performance, and sit with the band in the stands.  The “Ice Breaker” Is an event held in the spring, when upcoming 9th graders play with the band while their parents meet with the Wildcat Spirit Organization, the parent support group.  So before a 9th grader ever arrives at Band Camp in the summer, they have already met people, played with their bandmates, and have parents who are already aware of opportunities to help.   In addition, Mr. Henderson arranged with a music company to do two separate recruiting events with the 5th grade.  The company came in and presented all the different instruments. Every 5th grader was allowed to play an instrument.  Mr. Henderson credits the support of Rhonda Taylor and Jason Fountain for the great result these efforts produced.  
    Mr. Henderson is also very appreciative of his Wildcat Spirit Organization.  “There is no way I could have done any of this without the support of the Band parents.  They are the most important thing about this program, and we have an amazing group.  They have helped me out by being there to volunteer their time.  They’re my “right hand man”.  He also is extremely proud of the reason for all of this effort: his students.  He credits their efforts with creating what he calls a “family”.  “It’s all about Family.  It’s about being positive, being encouraging.  If someone makes a mistake, everyone else is right behind them, saying, ‘It’s ok, we’ll do better next time.’ I sit back and can watch them foster this atmosphere of positive family.  When students come into this bandroom, they feel like they belong.”
    The Central High School Choir, under the direction of Mary Turner, has also experienced great success, with Superiors in their competitions.  The middle school choir, under the direction of Trey Miller, is going to Walt Disney World in competition this week.  Both programs have experienced growth and great improvement.  The perennial favorite Central High Jazz Band, under the direction of Patrick Bordelon, has just achieved Superiors at the Loyola University Jazz Festival.  The Concert Band will be traveling to Tennessee to compete in the Smoky Mountain Music Festival.  With all of this amazing success, the excitement just continues to grow.  As Mr. Henderson says, “Get ready because some really awesome things are about to hit.  I’m very excited about it.  We wanted to be a superior performing arts community, and to do that you’ve got to be superior everywhere.  This year, we’ve achieved that.”
    The CHS Band Concert will be held on May 6, with the Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Concert Band performing.  Come out and hear what all the buzz is about!