Band director Andy Carter coaches the Panther Regiment during an afternoon rehearsal.[/caption]The Orange High School Panther Regiment stole the show at their first competition, held on October 5 at Southern Guilford High School.
The OHS marching band was awarded first place in guard, music, marching, overall general effect, and overall 4A class, as well as second place percussion and the overall spirit award at the competition.
When asked how she felt about the band’s first competition performance, drum major Sarah Campbell stated, “The competition went very well. Everyone has room to improve, since it is the first competition in the season, but everyone put in their hardest efforts and we did better than we all hoped to expect to do.”
The OHS Panther Regiment also placed well at their second competition, which was held last weekend at West Johnston High School. The band won second place in music, and third place in marching, general effect, drum major, and the overall class AA..
The marching band’s next competition will be held at Providence Grove High School on October 26.
The OHS marching band, led by band director Andy Carter and drum major Sarah Campbell, has been rehearsing since early August for this fall’s “Little Red Riding Hood” themed show. This theme has proven to be very unique compared to years past. Not only does the show incorporate handmade set pieces and elaborate costumes, but the show has a storyline with a “twist ending.” Students have already gotten the chance to watch the band perform their show during halftime, at the first football game, but they have worked even harder to perfect it since then.
For co-guard captain Sarah Tatum, this season is very special for other reasons. Tatum, one of four seniors on the color guard, plays the wolf during the show, while fellow senior and co-guard captain Courtney Goodson plays Little Red Riding Hood. This will also be her last year as a part of the marching band, after having been a member every year of her high school career. “Being a senior this year is bittersweet,” says Tatum. “As seniors, we're more driven to make everything perfect. It’s our last year and we just want this show to be the absolute best it can be, because this is our last chance to do it.”
Tatum also added that, along with her other responsibilities, she gets to lead her younger sister Emily Tatum, who is a freshman in the marching band. Tatum said, “Having my younger sister on the team has been really cool too... Hopefully she'll continue to be a part of the marching band and love it as much as I have.”
In addition to performing at football games and in parades, the OHS marching band also competes in a wide range of marching band competitions. When asked how he expects his students to perform at their first competition, held on Saturday, October 5th, band director Carter noted that "the OHS Panther Regiment Marching Band has a long history of success both in competition and local performance venues. The students strive for excellence on a daily basis. There is no doubt in my mind that this year's group will be as successful as the numerous groups before them.”
Some band members were eager to talk about the experience. Madison Phillips stated, “I am nervous that we are going to be on TV but I am excited we get this opportunity. It will be great!” Casey Nelson said, “I’m really excited to be on TV, but I really hope I don’t mess up! The band’s really ready for this. I’ve got faith in everyone.”
There are several types of ways that someone can participate in the band. Many people believe that it is just playing music, but it is much more than that. During the football season and even after that the marching band has to work day after day to perfect their musical abilities. They also have routines that they must learn so they look like a group instead of individual players. Practicing is a group effort. Marching band normally competes against other bands throughout the state. Andy Carter, the band director, has been directing the band for 12 years now.
The band will not only be able to be in the parade, but they will also be able to learn by watching other concerts and going through museums.
If interested in seeing the band perform live, click on the following link and watch them on Memorial Day: http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com/
December 1, the annual Hillsborough Christmas Parade occurred. The parade featured hayrides with Santa that kids enjoyed. There was various bands playing classical Christmas songs that people were singing along to including "Jingle Bell Rock" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," among other songs.
Spectators were able to view Hillsborough fire engines decorated in Christmas decorations, and various cheerleaders and gymnast groups preformed, including some of Orange High School's own students who are in the To The Pointe Dance Academy. There was dancing to Christmas music along with a showing of antique cars.
The Orange High School’s marching band was also playing Christmas music. The Orange High School marching band played it finished with Santa cruising by waving to the audience.
The parade featured a visit from Santa along with other entertainment including Extreme Dance Academy’s dancers among others. There was also food and activities that were held. Santa rode the sleigh along with Mrs. Claus and were handing out candy as they exited the parade.
Most of the spectators wore gold and green in honor of celebrating Eastern Alamance High School 50th anniversary. Even though it was raining, people still came out for Christmas cheer.
The Marching Panthers received an almost unheard of music performance score, and make Orange proud as they were pitted against grueling competition and competed against many other bands in their class.
When trumpet marcher Jonathan Currin, senior, was asked about how he felt about the performance, and the season as a whole, he responded, "It was a great performance, our best show, and it showed in our scores. I was sad it was my last one, but it was a great season." When asked what he would miss most about marching band, he answered, "I'm gonna miss the family I've grown to love in marching band."
When Band Director Andy Carter was asked about his opinion of the Marching Panther's last performance, he responded, "The students achieved at a high level; it was a fitting end to the season." When asked what his feelings were about this year's marching band and saying goodbye to the seniors, he answered, "The students continually improved and achieved, and improved and achieved. The seniors will be greatly missed-their leadership was a key part of this year's success." When questioned about his thoughts on the season as a whole, he responded, "The season was a huge success, at every level. We had great performance from the students, great support from parents, and great backing from the community."
Sophomore trumpet player Alejandro Munoz summed up his experience when asked about the season. "I loved it; it was great. It [joining] was a great decision, I was proud to be a part of it."
Students, parents, and grandparents attended the game to support their OHS seniors and to show their Panther pride. The senior night celebrations began at 7:00 P.M. before the game started at 7:30 P.M. The seniors lined up in front of the stands and their respective names were announced over the intercom. The 13 senior marching band members were named first, followed by the 5 senior cheerleaders. Finally, the senior football players and managers were recognized, with a total of 14 football players graduating this year. Each representative presented flowers to their parents and friends as they were escorted across the track. The game drew near and the seniors suited up to begin playing.
The first whistle blew and the game began. Within 9 minutes of the first quarter, the Panthers scored their first touchdown off of a 62
At the start of the third quarter, Southern Vance came back and scored making the game 21-6. Throughout the rest of the third and fourth quarters, Southern Vance scored once again, but the Panthers toughed it out to the end, coming back with a touchdown by Jalen Pittman. The Panthers came out with a victory at the end of the game. The final score was 33-14.
The seniors have all contributed to the Panther success and will surely be missed next year. A sophomore, Byron Stephenson said, “I'll miss their leadership.”
Saturday, October 6, the OHS Panther Marching Regiment traveled to Southeast Guilford high school and performed their show at a marching band competition. The OHS Marching Regiment won 1st place in their division for colorguard (class 4a), 1st place in Percussion, 1st place in Visual Performance, 1st place in Music Performance and OutstandingHhornline, and won 1st place overall class 4a. They were a mere 3 points out of 100 points away from scoring the highest number of points of any band there. The marching band's show is titled "Welcome to the Zoo" and consists of three movements: North America, Aviary, and Africa. The show was designed after the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, and each movement portrays different animals and themes from various parts of the zoo. Audience and judges alike were very impressed with the show as the audience cheering with zeal when the marching Panthers laid down their instruments and picked up African tribal staffs in the last movement, promting awe within the onlookers. The intensity was palpable as the band preformed.
"I think it's the best performance we've done," said clarinet marcher Amber Mizell. When asked how she thought the audience liked the show, she replied, "I think they liked it, they had a lot of excitement as we were marching off the field."
Band Director Andy Carter, had a similar statement. "The students worked hard and gave their best performance of the season." When questioned about what the marching panthers needed to improve and about where the season was headed, he responded, "We just need to keep going down the path we are on, with our work ethic and commitment to excellence, and we'll have success. The season will take us wherever student determination and work ethic take us."
The Panthers' last two competitions will be at Fuquay-Varina High School on Saturday, October 20 and at Cary High School on November 3. They also have the honor of being invited to represent the state of North Carolina in the 2013 National Memorial Day Parade held in Washington D.C, which they plan on attending with enthusiasm.