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From Beginners to Performers
From Beginners to Performers
Written by: Brooklyn Henry
New Albany Schools celebrated its 2026 band night with more than 220 students in the high school gym. Students in grades 6th through 12th displayed their musical talents that have been developing in their band classes. The event gave the students a chance to showcase the dedication, musical ability, and hard work they’ve put into their work and performances. Many of the students had only been playing their instruments for about four weeks making this performance a pivotal one for their musical education. Band Night served as an opportunity for the younger students to highlight how they have grown as musicians. The night opened with the bands performing “Go Dogs Go”, a classic used to build school spirit often played during or before games. Continuing, the band played “Let’s Go!” another energetic selection commonly performed by the band. These performances worked well to represent the students of the NA Band’s skill and how they are learning to be true musicianists. Although the move from the football field to the high school gym was disappointing, the students remained professional and performed with the same energy and dedication they would have shown on the field.
Photos Produced By: Mary Beth Hardy
NA Band Timeline
NA Band Timeline
A look into the history of New Albany’s band department highlights the growth achieved through the students’ hard work and dedication. When COVID-19 disrupted the band’s plans, participation and performance numbers declined, as they did for many schools across the state. Since then, the department has worked to rebuild and strengthen the program in both skill and knowledge. The band has improved each year, earning a place in the top ten at last year’s state championships.
With more students joining the program and members showing a strong work ethic and determination, that goal appears more achievable than ever. Even the youngest musicians have demonstrated dedication and promise. By listening to one another and working together across each section, the students have also shown noticeable improvement in rhythm, timing, and overall performance. This year to gain funding for the many opportunities provided at NA by the Band department the NA band members had a successful fish fry fundraiser thanks to Seafood Junction. After an enlightening interview with Harley Sturgeon a 10th grade band student, and Jim Muncy an Adjunct Band staff member, one performance that can be looked forward to is the Jackson competition where they are sure to shine.
This year, the band’s goal is to finish within the top five. Coming up for the NA Band department the students will compete in competitions at the Crossroads Marching Classic, Northeast Mississippi Invitational, MHSAA State Marching Festival, and the Tomahawk Invitational. They will participate in the categories of the drum major, color guard, percussion, visual performance, and overall band. The plan for these competitions is to place top and take the bands to the MHSAA 4A State Championship. These talented young musicians will carry the band program to great lengths and are sure to impress.
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