ADDISON, Ala. – It’s an exciting new adventure for the Addison High School marching band as Garrett McCurley takes over the band program this year. Since being named new director, McCurley has recruited more than 15 new band students from grades fifth grade and up. The 35 members of the Addison Bulldog marching band have worked over the past two weeks of band camp and finished with a performance for friends and family Friday evening.
This year’s halftime show has a patriotic theme and features a medley of songs including “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless America.”
The percussion is also featured in the show, which McCurley said is in honor of “the 75th anniversary of D-Day and our drum break is featuring the 200th year of Alabama.”
McCurley has brought a great energy and enthusiasm to the Addison band program. He has some young students who are new to playing instruments but he praised their efforts and ability to pick up the music so quickly.
He said, “I am super tickled with them. They make me proud.”
McCurley works with the new band members after school allowing the kids to continue participating in PE. The upperclassmen help by having sectional practices and mentoring the younger members.
Jackie Austin has come in to help with the color guard and choreographing the routines.
“I am excited and would love to build the program. Band is one of the best things you can do. It creates great memories, “ McCurley said.
He is an Addison High School and band alumnus. He went to Wallace State on a music scholarship before earning a degree from Athens State in social science. He has worked at the elementary school since last year.
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