Students from five Billings area high schools are uniting to perform as a single ensemble through the All-City Marching Band, kulr8.com reported. Now in its third year, the program brings together musicians from Senior, Skyview, West, Central and Shepherd high schools. Local music teachers established the collaborative group after marching band became less common across the city, opting for a unified approach instead of separate school initiatives.
Sam McKenzie, director of the All-City Marching Band, stated that the initiative provides students with additional opportunities to learn performance skills and feel what it is like to be part of a major group. The roster has grown from a small start to include dozens of participants who perform pre-game and halftime shows. McKenzie noted the goal is to bring a college-like atmosphere to the events.
Audrey Sinclair, a senior at Shepherd High School, noted that her home program includes only about 20 students, making the chance to play alongside 75 to 80 peers a unique benefit. Henry Umphrey, a junior at Senior High School, added that the collaboration fosters a strong sense of community among students who might otherwise remain in separate school groups. The season concludes with a final performance scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, when Skyview hosts Gallatin at Sam McDonald Stadium at Daylis Stadium.
For more information, visit kulr8.com.