Corner High School Band takes a trip
The Corner High School marching band recently got a chance to show off its new uniforms in front of a national audience.
Band members took a trip Nov. 11-14 to compete in the Bands of America Grand Nationals Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Ninety-one bands from across the country competed.
“We did quite well. It was a real positive experience,” said band director Rick Coggin. “The kids were exposed to other bands and other styles and types of music. Bands up there do things a little differently than most of the bands around here do.”
Coggin said those differences include using more props, different themes and shows that were “very theatrical in nature.”
He said the band’s new uniforms, which cost $35,000, were also a hit at the show and are popular at home as well.
“I can’t thank the boosters enough for working to help the kids raise money for the uniforms and the trip to Indianapolis,” Coggin said.
In addition to competing, the band also got to do some sight-seeing.
Following a rehearsal at Caverna High School at Horse Cave, Ky., on Nov. 11, band members toured Mammoth Cave.
On Nov. 12, the band performed at a preliminary competition and watched other bands the rest of the day.
On Nov. 13, the group toured the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway museum, seeing vintage cars, and then took a track tour.
The next stop was the Indianapolis Zoo, which included an aquarium and dolphin show. The group then had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe.
“I think probably the highlight of the whole trip didn’t cost us a dime,” said Coggin.
That was when the group had lunch at a mall food court on Blue Friday, where Colts players, cheerleaders and former players signed autographs at the food court.
There was also a one-man band and a singer.
“The kids danced and had a really good time,” Coggin said. “It was hard getting them away from there, and me too.”
Besides experiencing different types of bands and music, Coggin said the trip was a good overall experience for the students.
“Probably most of these kids would have never gotten to go to Mammoth Cave, to the Indianapolis 500 or to Lucas Oil,” Coggin said. “It has been one of the more positive experiences we’ve ever had.”