Marching Band hosts alumni to honor director

Philip Wynne, Photographer, Reporter|October 13, 2015

Dakota Griggs spent his Alumni Night with the Percussion section and helping Alumni members with questions. The rain during his performance did not disappoint him as he enjoyed playing with others.

The NC Marching Band welcomed former band members as honorary Alumni players last Friday night, October 2.

Alumni members ranged from recently graduating with the 2015 class, all the way to members from decades ago. Sophomore Jacob Watkins says “It was really cool meeting all of the former members. All of their experiences were different and allowed me to understand how much the band has changed.” Watkins met a few former trumpet members and played stand tunes with them during the game.
Enthusiasm filled junior percussion marimba player Dakota Griggs as he met up with twins Rey and Tre Hatcher from the class of 2015, and Kyle Rinaudo who graduated in 2014. Dakota explains, “It was nice to see Kyle and the twins again as we had little contact after they graduated. We talked about how college is going for the both of them and what their future plans are for their lives. I hope that our paths cross soon again so we can share updates.”

Senior Timpani player, Maliel, is the first person to play during the Marching Band act 1 opener. He states, “It’s nervous being the first person to play but it also is exciting as I’m the first person heard.”

The stand tune music that the band played at the football game included simple pieces that everybody knew, to the fight song that no band member could forget. Alumni and current members rejoiced to the music and showed their support to the Warrior football team. The rain did not cause any disappointment for any members as they enjoyed their time with their instruments.

After a long night of entertainment, alumni members and band members all gathered in the cafeteria to settle down and have a pizza party. The band ordered 127 pizzas all together in order to feed nearly 400 people. The party served as a nice end to the alumni night as everybody reflected on the day and made plans for next year’s event.

“I hung out with band and non band members at the pizza party. The night went well and the alumni were chill,”said sophomore trumpet player Danny Bowie. Sophomore Alex Birkett demonstrated the same enthusiasm:“Tonight was amazing. I cannot wait until the next Alumni Night.”

Overall, Alumni Night offered a renewing experience for former members and taught lessons for current members allowing a good time.