Strike up the bands

Southern Living, Nov 1996 by Hallam, Linda, Bigner, Melissa

Jammed too tight to move, waiting in the toe-numbing cold of a New York Thanksgiving Day, my son Forrest and I strain for a glimpse of his brother. Before we see, we hear a man's voice booming in the frigid air. "An Alabama band is leading the parade!" His incredulity, our pride.

For a few minutes the band swings past--the banners, the pretty Star Spangled Girls and Patriot Guard, the musicians. I see my son Dallas in the trombone section.

This is one of many memories my family and our friends and neighbors have. The band is a longstanding tradition in Homewood, a suburban community over Red Mountain from Birmingham. It's a testament to a committed school system, active parents, dedicated band members, and volunteers.

No one epitomizes the volunteer spirit more than Annie Laura Burton, who fits the elaborate uniforms, then packs and repacks them for travel. "She's a parent who showed up 25 years ago and never left," says Debbie Hancock, a parent volunteer.

It's an apt description. "My daughter was a Star Spangled Girl in the original line 25 years ago," says Mrs. Burton. "And my son was a drummer for two years. I just stayed on with the band. There are things you do for love you wouldn't do for money."

This year Mrs. Burton altered uniforms for two drum majors, Chi Hao Hu, 17, returning for a second year, and Leslie Singletary, 17, the band's second female drum major. For Chi, the progression from the saxophone to the drum major's baton has meant a reassessment of college plans. "I'm thinking I might be in the band in college," he says. "And I'm thinking about becoming a high school band director."

For Leslie Singletary, the band has also been the highlight of an outstanding high school career. "I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything."

Although the practices can be draining, almost all band members persevere. "We always get that second wind; we know we are representing Homewood," says Leslie. "We just have this reputation to uphold. The student section screams for us at football games."

Leslie's mother, Ann, agrees. "The whole reason we moved to Homewood 10 years ago was because I wanted Leslie to be in the school band."

Shekinah Lampkin, 16, known among the students as one of the most spirited band members, moved to Homewood only three years ago in the ninth grade. "At first I was afraid to try out because I couldn't play the clarinet as well as the other kids," she says. "But my mom pushed me to try. It's been great."

In the world of high school band, Homewood and Pat Morrow, who served as director for 20 years, are known for accomplishments. Appearances include well-known parades--the Rose and Fiesta Bowls, and the Washington, D.C., Cherry Blossom Festival. The proudest moment so far has been winning two international band festivals in 1993--in Limerick and Dublin, Ireland. In March 1997, the band will return to Ireland for the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

But less tangible accomplishments are far more important. The staff--new band director Ronald Pence, along with Jeff Burnside, Daryl Ussery, Darren Holbrooks, and Cynthia Wade--instills values and ethics. Hard work. Discipline. Teamwork. Pride.

All are embodied by Ronald Pence, the 33-year-old Foley, Alabama, native who became band director just before the current season. "This is about learning something, earning respect, becoming leaders," he says. "The marching band is important to this community, but it's a tool, not an end in itself. Self-respect and respecting others--that's what being in our band is all about."

Linda Hallam

Even farther South, in New Orleans, another band readies to march. The Crescent City earns its nickname this night as a sliver of moon casts dim light onto a tightly packed bunch of high school boys at the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon. Wearing gold Trojan-like helmets topped with ostrich feathers, these young men are formidable, hiding any jitters they may feel about the upcoming parade.

A sharp whistle blasts from the front of the group, and all 128 of St. Augustine's Marching 100 fall into formation (the band's name represents the original member count). Ahead, four drum majors pump the air with silver-tipped scepters, leading the rest with steps as high and crisp as walking horses. Word that St. Aug's is coming ripples through the spectators, and enthusiastic screams fall on the boys' shoulders.

"This is my World Series, my Super Bowl," exclaims drum major Anthony Dublucet, beaming during a breather. "All my uncles were in the band at St. Aug's, and when I was a kid I used to watch them and dream about marching. I don't see how I'll ever be in another band, at college or wherever, because the 100--it's the best."

Anthony's enthusiasm doesn't spring from adrenaline alone. In the band's 43 years, St. Augustine's Marching 100 has been making headlines. The students have performed for five Presidents and the Pope; they opened the 1984 World's Fair and kicked off a Super Bowl. Back in 1967, they were the first black band to desegregate the Mardi Gras carnival parades.