Jim Head (left), Addison High School band director, helps tune students during after-school band practice at Addison High School.
ADDISON – Addison High School Band Director Jim Head and his students have a halftime show packed with familiar rock hits planned for this fall.
“We're going to do a rock show,” said Head. “We're going to do 'Boys of Summer,' 'Wanted Dead or Alive' and 'Any Way You Want It.'”
Head says the songs will be familiar to football game attendees.
“Well I’ve discovered in the years that I’ve done it, this is my 18th year as band director, that our fans like shows that are entertaining,” Head explained, “that have music that they recognize, that they sing along with and go, 'Oh yeah, I know that song.'”
Addison's band is a bit smaller in size this year, but it has provided the group the opportunity to add some new elements, said Head.
“Our numbers are lower, a smaller group this year,” he shared. “But were adding a (drum) set on a cart and a lead guitar player. So, we've kinda added that to the show and it's going to mix in with the rock show.”
Another way that Head offsets the smaller size is by allowing younger band students to perform with the group.
“We've got a great group of beginner kids that we have started, and they'll be playing,” Head said. “They'll be practicing once a week with us and they'll be playing with us Friday nights at home football games. Of course, (the rest of the band will) travel to all the away games too.”
Head also has others ways to achieve a complete sound with his group.
“I have the people that we have cover, sometimes, multiple parts,” said Head. “Parts they don’t normally play, to make a complete sound.”
In addition to the football games this season there's another opportunity to hear the band coming up in September, according to Head.
“We just appreciate our community support,” Head smiled. “We're going to be playing Monday, Sept. 10, for the grand opening of Jack's (in Addison) at 5 p.m. on that day.”
Addison's first football game of the season will be Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. against Curry at Curry High School.
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