Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Swain High School Band Director, Karen Williams-Lanning said that the band is looking forward to a regular season, traveling and competing.
“We are so excited for a regular marching season and to get to travel and compete as a big group. Last year we got to perform together somewhat but it just wasn’t the same,” Lanning said.
The band will have two competitions, one at Enka High School in September and another at AC Reynolds in October, so they are working hard to prepare for that.
The band has spent the last two weeks at camp with about 55 participants: colorguard, wind, and percussion students.
“The students have had a great time at camp, and we have some awesome talent,” Lanning said.
This is Color guard Instructor Sherry Wright’s last year with the band.
“I am very excited about the upcoming season. The band students have worked very hard during band camp week and their excitement is contagious,” Wright said. “The Swain Marching Band tradition of ‘our best and then some’ remains strong even after the unconventional year that we experienced last year due to Covid. I have never been prouder to be a part of this program!”
Director Lanning said that she is very grateful for the amazing staff at the band, including Wright.
“We are extremely thankful for the wonderful staff that we have working with the band, Sherry Wright, it’s her last year as Colorguard instructor and she had done an amazing job with the students. Timothy Sale is middle school band director, and he writes all of our programs and shows and the kids love him. Jayna Moore is helping with color guard and will be the new instructor next year, so we are excited for that,” Lanning said. “We are also thankful to all the leaders in the community and school system, like school board members who took the time to come and speak to our group about leadership, values, and show them that they matter.”
The band program at Swain is not just about music but to also teach the kids values and integrity.
“We are really going to focus this year on the students, what it’s about to be good team members, leaders, and to serve others. It’s not just about the music, it’s about being a good person,” Lanning said.