The Sound of the Seven Hills Hosts Halftime Preview Show
ROME, GA— “You are looking at some of our school’s best and brightest kids,” said Chad Hannah, Director of Bands at Rome City Schools to the crowd of parents and supporters of his program. “We tell our kids that no matter where they go, they are representatives of our high school, our system and our community. We are the only school in the area that bears the name Rome, and our band students do a great job of representing us all.”
Big sound, spectacular form, and a dizzying sense of wonder are what future spectators of the Rome High School (RHS) Marching Band’s halftime performance will get when the band takes the field on August 19, 2022, for the Corky Kell Classic. The students have been diligently practicing and perfecting the show over the last few weeks in band camp.
Hannah emphasized that in his many years at RHS, there have been some wonderful bands. And this particular group of kids is the hardest working he’s seen yet. “These kids are anxious to be great,” he said. “They’re eager to represent our school this fall.”
With every member on the field, the RHS marching band is around 170 students strong. To accommodate the number of students, RHS hired additional staff to assist with instruction during this year’s camp.
He explained these extra staff are either degreed musicians or professional performers hired to provide private instruction for the kids during camp, as well as sectional work with smaller groups to perfect the music and work out any kinks. The helping hands then work to put the nuts and bolts of the performance together to create the bigger picture. “To say it takes a village is very true when it comes to what we do,” Hannah said.
The theme of this year’s halftime performance is “Vertigo,” some symbolism of which could be detected from the fluorescent yellow spirals being used as props. Hannah said there is more work to do, and his goal is to be fully prepared for the opening show at the Corky Kell Classic. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of students and supporters behind the scenes adding, “They’re important and they make a difference.”
The gravity of what the RHS band has been working towards ahead of the start of the new school year is of great meaning to Hannah and the RHS community. Hannah said he hopes the band members and supporters alike understand that they stand for something greater than themselves. “These kids represent the best of the city of Rome, and every time they play—anywhere they play—people always remember the Sound of the Seven Hills,” he said.
There is no doubt that with a sound that big, this year’s halftime performance will be the most memorable yet.
We can’t wait to see you march #likeawolf
Go Wolves!
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