Log in Subscribe

Despite COVID-19, Cascade’s band plays on

By DAWN HANKINS - dhankins@t-g.com
Posted 12/12/20

Despite the snares of COVID-19, Cascade Band has continued to perform in, and win, competitions across the state this fall-even in those events held virtually. The Champion Band will culminate its success with a winter concert on January 8th in the Cascade High School theater...

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Despite COVID-19, Cascade’s band plays on

Posted

Despite the snares of COVID-19, Cascade Band has continued to perform in, and win, competitions across the state this fall-even in those events held virtually.

The Champion Band will culminate its success with a winter concert on January 8th in the Cascade High School theater.

Band leaders note while this season was certainly more peculiar than those from past experiences, it still proved to be an excellent season for a lot of hard-working Cascade High Band students.

There were only two band competitions in the state of Tennessee that continued to have an event this year with COVID regulations in place. Usually there would be several to choose from each week in the Middle Tennessee area, but, due to COVID, many were sadly canceled. 

The Cascade Band competed in both competitions and won both contests. Even though this was a short season compared to the four or five contests the band normally participates in, the 2019 Division I champions did their best once again.

Band Booster President and parent Dianna McBee said, “For myself, as a parent, I would say that band has been a big part of our lives for many years. It has been a blessing for my kids to be involved in a program that not only encourages hard work but has also taught them how to work well with others. Also, as a previous band parent told me, what better way to keep your kids busy on a Friday and Saturday night.”

Band director David Lucich, added, “We took the attitude towards this season that we would be thankful for whatever we were able to get to do, because we knew at any time we could get shut down. We were able to perform five home football games, two competitions, and a Bands of America [BOA] live virtual showcase, where our band performed for the whole country live from the Cascade High School stadium. The students did an amazing job putting on a wonderful show . . . and, amazingly, no one was quarantined for the final performance!”

Drum majors Samuel Maddox and Alyssa Rhodes said they were particularly grateful to enjoy a full season of band. “I’m happy and thankful that we got to have a marching season, when many did not,” said Alyssa.

“After the state championship was canceled, ending with our final performance on our own home field for the BOA live showcase was the best way I could think to end our marching careers. We ended where we started as freshmen,” added Samuel.

Then there’s Cole McBee, a junior drum line member who is actually a virtual student, due to his asthma. He was truly thankful to be able to participate this year.

No one could be prouder of this band than his mother, Dianna McBee. “Even though COVID has presented challenges, the band director tried to have as normal of a band season as possible for the kids. Band camp was held in July. It looked different from previous years in that the kids had to social distance during breaks and sectionals, but the kids made the best of it. They worked hard and had fun.”

McBee advised though there were only two band competitions this year, the students performed with all their hearts, just like always, and she’s proud of how they won both events. She said some school bands canceled their entire season but Cascade’s band director did what he could in order to have a marching season.

Speaking about band director David Lucich, McBee says, “He even designed the marching show with social distance measures in place to help prevent possible exposure.”

As with many non profits, the band has suffered from canceled fundraisers due to the pandemic, including the annual jazz concert and silent auction, which are traditionally held in April. Since the band relies solely on donations and fundraisers to thrive each year, she said that fundraiser cancellation presents a large financial challenge.

“Working at Bonnaroo and Nissan Stadium stopped because of cancellations and limited capacity,” said McBee. “A typical marching season could cost $10,000 or more. The band must purchase the music for the show. Sometimes, depending on the type of music, rights to the music must be purchased. Then we have competition fees and travel expenses to each competition where we compete. We also feed the kids and provide water and snacks for all practices and competitions.”

Connor Prim, a 5th-year senior trumpet player, said, "I'll never forget the friendships I've made through the band program. Because of our musical connection, I've met people who will always have my back no matter the circumstances; that's what marching band is to me."