Published: August 04, 2008 08:44 am            

Band Boot Camp

Corbin band members ready for the season

By Brad Hicks / Staff Writer

Over the past two weeks, members of the Corbin High School marching band have endured long hours, blazing temperatures and even stormy weather. But they all agree — it’s been well worth it.

Friday marked the last day of the band’s camp, which has tuned them up for the practices, ball games and competitions that lie ahead this school year.

“I am pretty tired,” said junior Justin McIntosh.

The first week of camp, students participated in drills from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The second week, they played from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

During this time, band members were subject to whatever the elements threw at them.

“It’s really harsh,” said senior Jake Williams. “You’re open to anything. But in the end, it’s really rewarding. Personally and as a group, I think we can go further than we ever have before.”

Band director Jimmy Cornn, entering his third year as director, said he has seen much more growth from last year to this year’s returning students.

“That’s what sticks out to me,” he said. “The ability level of this group is higher, the motivation is better. Overall, it’s a better group of kids.”

But Cornn has seen not only growth in the skill level of the band, but in its numbers as well. Last year, the band was comprised of only about 25 instrumentalists and color guard members combined.

“Rumor had it they were considering cutting the program,” McIntosh said.

But that number nearly doubled — today, 50 students make up the Corbin High School marching band, from eighth graders to seniors. The past couple of weeks’ worth of intense practices and long hours wore on the students a bit, Cornn said.

“By the end of camp, they’re all tired of each other,” he joked.

While students may get a little agitated from time to time, Cornn said the work hasn’t bothered him.

“I get stressed out more from the thinking and planning ahead,” Cornn said. “The long days don’t bother me. I’m still young. They might complain, but they get back out there. They push through.”

While most of the students have known each other for years now, they have found that band camp has given them the opportunity to get even closer to old friends and gain some new ones.

“All in all, you end up liking everybody,” said junior guard member Kaitlyn Alsip. “You have a special bond.

“Even if you don’t, you fake it,” she joked.

Sophomore Mariah Stewart agreed that the group some members have dubbed “The Children of the Cornn” are indeed close-knit.

“In the end, we’re just one big, messed up family,” she said. “You know someone cares. If you need someone, they’ll be there.”

Members said Cornn is also responsible for nearly doubling the band’s size and getting a lot more students interested in band.

“We’re getting a lot more people in now that we have a new director,” said senior Tyler Riggs.

They also attribute their newfound motivation to having Cornn as their director.

“He’s the best anyone could ever have,” Stewart said of Cornn.

The band’s first competition is Sept. 23, and they will have one every Saturday through November.

“They’re as close as North Laurel and as far away as Louisville,” Cornn said.

Cornn said the Corbin High School band is looking for community support to help get the band to these competitions. The band is looking to repaint its truck and acquire an ATV for pulling instruments to competitions. He also said the band will be selling ads for $300 to place on the side of the truck.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Corbin High School at 528-3902.

        

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