Yearly, residents from the world over journey to Washington, D.C., to stroll its historic grounds and witness the symbols of freedom up shut. However on Could 26, historical past was not on show. As a substitute, it was being made.
For the primary time for the reason that COVID-19 pandemic, the Newton Excessive College Sound Manufacturing unit Marching Band took their abilities on the highway. Their vacation spot was some of the revered occasions within the nation: the Nationwide Memorial Day Parade.
Representing Newton County with pleasure, the Sound Manufacturing unit joined marching bands, army models and veterans teams from throughout the nation to honor those that gave their lives in service to america.
Alongside Structure Avenue — simply steps from the White Home and the US Capitol — the band marched to the rhythm of patriotism, reminiscence and music.
Newton Excessive College Band Director Jason Smith says it was an incredible alternative to not solely place the band on the map but in addition to characterize the group.
“Every part I envisioned for this journey got here into fruition,” Jason Smith stated, “and I’m actually completely satisfied about that.”
With the 2024-25 band season at its shut, the Sound Manufacturing unit confronted a singular problem of shifting gears from their indoor live performance and symphonic performances to the bodily calls for of marching in a nationally televised parade.
Smith says that coming off months of centered indoor rehearsals, the band needed to recondition each the physique and thoughts for the extreme outside parts.
With lengthy hours of standing, marching, and taking part in below the warmth to arrange for the late spring solar in Washington, D.C.
As head drum main Kameron Brown places it, the adjustment was not simple.
“It was troublesome being within the warmth and likewise specializing in management,” Brown stated. “However as a pacesetter, you need to preserve your eyes on the prize.”
Baritone/Euphonium part chief Josh Smith, son of Jason Smith, agreed. He says it was robust to apply in sweatshirts and pants, however the greater image stored him going.
“Once more, it was actually sizzling,” Josh Smith stated, “however I needed to suppose — we’re going to carry out on a nationwide degree, and that’s vital.”
Jason Smith stated the journey was particularly impactful for college kids who had by no means traveled outdoors of Georgia. He believes the parade gave them the possibility to witness what many college students solely see in historical past books.
“When you could have the chance to create these reminiscences with folks you wish to create them with,” Jason Smith stated, “you’ll cherish them for a lifetime.”
The longtime Sound Manufacturing unit band director additionally sees this journey as a stepping stone. The Nationwide Memorial Day Parade, he stated, provides to the Sound Manufacturing unit’s rising résumé of journey performances. This consists of previous appearances at occasions just like the Sugar Bowl and Citrus Parade.
“We’re constructing our résumé to take it to the subsequent degree,” Jason Smith stated.
For Josh Smith, seeing the gang’s response made all of the laborious work value it.
“Having the ability to stand within the fruits of our labor meant so much to me,” Josh Smith stated. “As we had been practising, folks had been giving us standing ovations — to only be heard was useful to us.”
Brown stated probably the most significant a part of the journey was bringing the Traditionally Black Faculty and Universities (HBCU) type tradition to D.C. and leaving a legacy at Newton.
“For college students zoned for Newton, I hope it conjures up them to wish to be part of one thing greater,” Brown stated, “and one thing that contributes to the tradition.”
With summer season band camp approaching, Jason Smith says the employees is already brainstorming concepts for subsequent season’s discipline present.
Each Brown and Josh Smith say they’re excited to step into management roles this upcoming season, not solely to uphold the band’s customary, however to uplift others.
“I’m wanting ahead to assembly new folks and bringing them to the subsequent degree,” Brown stated. “This program introduced me out of my shell, so I would like folks to know they’re able to the whole lot.”
“I’m wanting ahead to being a task mannequin for my sections,” Josh Smith provides, “and permitting them the area to ask for assist each time it’s wanted.”
Because the Sound Manufacturing unit seems to be forward to the 2025–26 marching season, the highway is filled with alternative. From a packed soccer schedule to potential HBCU homecomings and school excursions, the probabilities are infinite.
For now, although, the band can have fun what they’ve already completed: making historical past, creating reminiscences and marching with pleasure on a nationwide stage.
“You will notice excessive ranges of power, musicianship, and youngsters on the market having enjoyable,” Jason Smith stated. “That’s what you’ll be able to anticipate from the Newton Sound Manufacturing unit.”
