A Mission to Unite: Jasper Band Performance Honors Veterans—But It Means Much More

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton

The stadium lights shine through the darkness of an autumn Friday evening at Ki-Ro Gambrell Field. Jasper Viking football fans of all ages cheer as the team heads to the locker room to regroup and strategize during halftime. On the sidelines, the 155 members of the Viking Marching Band prepare to take the field to perform this year’s show: United.

“United is, on one hand, a tribute to our nation’s veterans, specifically those from the time of World War II,” says Jason Lipscomb, Director of Bands at Jasper High. “On the other hand, it symbolizes the unity we’re experiencing within our band after the chaos of the last year.”

The ‘chaos of the last year’ is, of course, the ongoing pandemic, a situation that, in some way or another, has driven everyone away from things—and people—they love. This is no different for the Viking Band.

Chatter and laughter fill the band room prior to the start of the band’s daily class time. Inside jokes are shared, and members ask one another how their days are going. A general sense of fellowship is prevalent. For decades, through changes of leadership and practice methods, and a move to Jasper High School’s beautiful new campus, Viking Band members have coined themselves ‘one big family’.

"Most of us have been in band since sixth grade,” says senior and drum major Breanna Williams. “We've gone through everything together and grown up together, even the ones who joined later. We do it all —win, lose, and grow together. It's just a very special experience.”

Yet this family experienced heartbreak in a way they never knew possible during the 2020-2021 school year. A part of their lives that served as a source of joy for many, an escape from life’s problems for some, and an outlet of creativity for all, was taken away. Decisions on how to properly navigate a pandemic affected everyone. The Viking band was able perform at a handful of football games, but never got to play a full dress, coordinated show. 

"The last year was very eye-opening for us as instructors. It really showed us how much these students truly care for each other beyond the performance aspect," says Jonathan DeLoach, Associate Director of Bands. "They missed out on the camaraderie and the sense of belonging that being part of this band creates. The performance of music is just a vessel for art that accompanies something so much deeper."

Fortunately, this school year afforded the Viking Band family with an opportunity to assemble and work together again to produce a sound that symbolizes their feelings toward reunion: loud, proud, and cheerful.

United opens with the ever patriotic "My Country 'tis of Thee,” setting the mood for a respectful tribute to those who have fought for our freedom, followed by a nod to the Civil War era with "When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Next is a transitional excerpt of "Simple Gifts" from the Aaron Copeland ballet Appalachian Spring. For now, the show wraps with a jovial throwback to the WWII era, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” but as the season progresses, the Viking Band is working toward a bigger and more heartfelt closing number that remains a secret (for now) but promises to provoke a sense of unity in all who hear.

Students began working in the aggressive heat of early July to learn the marching movements and field formations for United. During school, class time is devoted to refining music. After-school rehearsals on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are held on the practice field and combine music and movement to prepare for performances. 

All of this leads up to Friday night, when everything comes together: brass, woodwinds, percussion, and auxiliary combining their skills and hard work to perform a show symbolizing appreciation for our nation, perseverance through hard times, and, most importantly, unity. 78