By Caitlin Wolfe
DouglasNow.com
The Coffee High School band program has been busy preparing for the upcoming football season. Steve Myers, band director, has been with the program for 29 years. Alex Cruz, associate director, has been with the program for nine years. They, along with around 116 students, are working to give Trojan fans a fun and exciting football season.
The band has finished up the first week of their two-week summer band camp. During these five-hour practices, they learn new music for the halftime show, stands, and pep rally while also perfecting drill assignments. The dance line and auxiliary also learn their places on the field as they were chosen by audition at the end of last school year.
This year’s halftime show is going to be an exciting one to say the least. With a classic rock theme, the seven familiar songs you’ll hear are popular hits from the 70’s and 80’s. However, choosing a theme for the show is not an easy task. Mr. Myers and Mr. Cruz start discussing song choices during the previous school year while also taking suggestions from upcoming seniors.
Mr. Myers states the marching band will attend two marching competitions this season. The students will be competing at the Oconee Classic in Milledgeville on September 30, and the Sound of Silver in Blackshear on October 14.
The program is currently in the process of setting up a chocolate fundraiser for the band students. This allows the public to give back to the students and help them pay dues. The program also accepts donations throughout the school year as well.
When asked what he enjoys about being the Coffee High band director, Mr. Myers states, “It’s just really fun to see our children grow up. I’ve known a lot of these kids since 6th grade. To see them become better and better players, it’s really rewarding.” He says that in some cases it’s even multigenerational. In his time at Coffee High School, Mr. Myers has had at least 12 students go on to pursue music after high school and become musicians or music teachers.
Mr. Cruz says, “It’s neat watching them grow up. When they come to us as a 9th grader, they can’t even drive yet. Then, we get to watch them balance being a student, musician, having jobs, and then graduate.”
“We have the best job in the world, and as always, go Trojans,” says Mr. Myers.