Montgomery Catholic may have a relatively young band
program, but it has come a long way in its short history. In 2010 when Director
of Bands Alex Johnson first started at Montgomery Catholic, the marching band
only had 12 members. Nicknamed “The Dirty Dozen,” the small but dedicated group
of musicians kept the fans entertained throughout the football season. Today,
the marching band has over 60 musicians and auxiliary who take the field at
every varsity football game, both at home and away. During each game, they
provide musical entertainment with stand tunes and cheers that they choreograph
with the varsity cheerleaders. Not only has the band increased in number year
after year, but also it has accumulated countless accolades and recognition.
Led by Johnson and his band director wife, Kristine, and assisted by interns
from local universities, the program has flourished in recent years, both on
the field and on the stage.
“This has only been possible because of the continued
commitment of the students,” said Johnson. “No band program can run without outstanding
student leadership, and each group in the Catholic band has been mentored by
those before them. It’s been a legacy of excellence.”
When it comes to leadership, the students are expected to
take charge, especially because the marching band includes 7th and 8th
grade students in various roles. Like any other marching band, Montgomery
Catholic relies on older students to teach marching techniques to new members,
run sectional rehearsals, and ensure that each group under their supervision
both looks and sounds good. In addition to that, each section must work with
each other to maintain the integrity of the show. Starting with band camp in
the summer and continuing throughout the football season, the band must
rehearse several times a week to improve and perfect their show. The students
spend countless hours together, and they learn to act as a cohesive unit.
“It can be challenging to balance leadership and friendship
with those in your section,” said junior Angela Gier, high brass section
leader. “But our role is so important, and it’s rewarding to watch as everyone
improves and grows throughout the season.”
In addition to playing at every football game, the marching
band also performs in marching competitions in the area. Since they only participate
in two contests during the season, the students feel a lot of pressure to ensure
their performance is flawless. In the past two years alone, the band has won “Overall
Best in Class” at each competition they have been to, and they had also picked
up several category awards, such as for auxiliary, drumline, pit percussion,
woodwinds, and brass. For the past five appearances at the Jacksonville State
Contest of Champions, the Montgomery Catholic drum major has won “Best in Class,”
including this year’s drum major, senior Bobby Crawford.
“It’s almost a dynasty going on,” said Johnson. “No pressure
or anything for future drum majors!”
On top of the demanding marching schedule, the band classes also
have been preparing for the upcoming fall and winter concert season. Johnson,
who also serves as the District 6 Chairman for the Alabama Bandmasters
Association, believes that classroom emphasis should be on concert band as it
provides an important academic and artistic learning environment.
“Marching band is just one spoke of the wheel,” he said. “Concert
band is the hub of that wheel. It is truly where one learns the art and the
science of music.”
While all Montgomery Catholic bands, grades 5 through 12,
will be performing their annual Christmas concert on December 5, the high
school band will also take the stage for an exhibition show on November 5. This
is the first time that the high school band has done an additional show in the
fall, but Johnson believes that the high school band needs another opportunity
to perform.
“The high school band this year is an exceptional group, and
they needed another outlet to showcase their talents,” said Johnson.
The November exhibition will feature classic concert band
favorites Molly on the Shore by Percy Grainger, First Suite in E Flat
by Gustav Holst, Elegy for a Young American by Lo Presti, and Riders
for the Flag by John Philip Sousa.
Starting with 12 in the high school and currently standing
at around 130 from 5th grade to 12th, the Montgomery
Catholic band program has come leaps and bounds from the Dirty Dozen days and
now requires a larger, more specialized facility. The second phase of the
Montgomery Catholic capital campaign, Building on Faith, Family and
Tradition, is moving into its final stages now that the first phase, the
construction of the new gym, is complete. The project sees the conversion of
the old Fr. Pat Delahunty Gym into a climate-controlled fine and performing
arts building that will house the band, choral, and drama departments. The
renovated building will have classrooms for band and chorus, individual
practice rooms, instrument storage, and offices for staff. There will also be a
student center which will serve as a gathering space to facilitate club
meetings and other activities. Renovation on this new space is ongoing;
completion is estimated to be during the winter of this year.
