DHS band celebrates successful year

The school year had been the best of times, it had been the worst of times—to paraphrase noted author Charles Dickens. It was a school year of challenges; it was a school year of successes.

Those words were the common theme of all those who addressed the crowd of Daleville High School “Pride of the South” Marching Band members, family and friends gathered at the DHS Band practice field May 13 for an annual band banquet held picnic style, outside, masked and socially distanced.

“Our main goal this year was to not be a ‘spreader’ of coronavirus,” said DHS Band Director Mark Nichols. “And even in the 100 percent humidity, scorching sun, heat index of over 100 and mask-wearing, we were able to go forward and keep that goal.

“We also wanted to make the absolute most out of every rehearsal and except for the six days that we were shut down as a school, we played every day in person,” Nichols said. “And over the three days we were home at Thanksgiving, we played daily via ‘Zoom’ and practiced our music as a group. We also had a student that had to stay home but we met with that student every day so they could continue their music education—and we made it work.

“Also this year we had an amazing ‘rookie class’ which made a substantial contribution to the marching band. We masked, putting the masks on our chins while playing music and then put them back up on our faces,” Nichols said. “We never knew if tomorrow’s rehearsal would not be able to happen but it did and we made the most of every day. While performance events were limited this year, the band grew in abundance with musical and technical proficiency.

“We played in the DHS homecoming parade along with many football games. The jazz band had several opportunities including the Destin Jazz Festival. Our band parents and members planned to have an amazing 35th Marching Band Classic—which was certain to have been successful.

“We had several area musicians perform for us in the band room, we had outstanding holiday and spring concerts and numerous students attended Honor Bands,” Nichols said. “One student, Austin Horne, earned a very impressive ‘Superior, Professional, Performance’ rating.

“Ten of our students earned the right to be called Alabama All State Musicians, 15 of our students made District Honor Band and these great accomplishments could not have been made possible without our amazing student leadership and wonderful parental support, as well as our school administration for all of their continued support throughout the years.”

DHS Marching Band Capt. Austin Horne echoed Nichols’ remarks. “It’s been an honor to serve as your band captain this year. It’s been a wild ride sometimes but it’s been a great experience.”

Thanking Drum Major Grace Smith and the other student officers, Horne said, “We have been through so much together and had so many obstacles. However, we have worked through them. I’m proud to know each one of you.”

Horne also thanked “our incredible band directors,” Nichols and Stephanie Robertson. “You continue to pour so much of your heart and passion into this band. You believe in us and see things in us that we don’t always see in ourselves. For your dedication, we thank you.”

Horne also thanked the band parents and school administration for their support throughout the year.

“If this year has taught us anything it has taught us to enjoy the moment, to savor each smile, each laugh and to make the most out of every opportunity whether it’s in-person or virtual,” he said. “It has taught us to have a positive outlook and that it will take us extremely far no matter how hard our circumstances may be.

“We started off the season not even knowing if we were going to have band camp. However, somehow we managed to pull together and have it. I have no clue how we pulled it off but we persevered together,” Horne said. “The football season was uncertain. We constantly worried about who would get the next quarantine call. Each time that we marched together and sat in the stands together was a gift, a memory to be cherished.

“Despite the challenges that we all faced, we were the lucky ones. Many students, even in our own state, did not have as many opportunities as we had. I deeply thank our band directors, school officials, awesome parents and all of you who worked so hard trying to give us the best year that we ever had,” Horne added. “Tonight I want us all to savor this moment and reflect how good it is to be together. Let us all continue to uphold the legacy of this band.”