The Clarke Central High School marching band performs at the Classic City Championship against Cedar Shoals High School on Aug. 19, 2022 in Billy Henderson Stadium. Despite the five-decade long rivalry between CSHS and CCHS’ football teams, CCHS drum major Kelli Floyd, a senior, is excited about the friendly competition between the marching bands. “I am having fun conducting. At first I was iffy about the show, but it really has grown (on) me. I always have a good time playing against Cedar. (Their band program is) very sweet. We don’t have any problems, contrary to popular belief,” Floyd said. Photo by Lucas Donnelly
The CCHS marching band will perform during the 58th Classic City Championship at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Billy Henderson Stadium.
Thursday night lights will shine down on the Clarke Central High School marching band as they take the field for the 58th edition of the Classic City Championship on Aug. 15.
CCHS versus Cedar Shoals High School is the oldest high school rivalry in Athens.. For CCHS trumpeter Gray Whicker, a freshman, walking into this environment will be his first time marching as a Gladiator.
“I’ve been to Clarke Central games before, and something about how we all kind of unite over one thing, it’s really special. How we all come together and support this big thing, and the environment is really cool,” Whicker said.
To prepare for the Jaguars and the upcoming season, CCHS drum major and senior Kelli Floyd has helped lead the team through extensive practices to get game ready.
“It all starts at band camp. We were there for two weeks during the summer, and we did nothing but work on the music, work on the show and getting things done,” Floyd said. “As we transitioned into the school year, we practiced for six hours a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we just grind out.”
“I’ve been to Clarke Central games before, and something about how we all kind of unite over one thing, it’s really special. How we all come together and support this big thing, and the environment is really cool.”
— Gray Whicker,
CCHS trumpeter and freshman
This preparation is what the team hopes will help them achieve their goals when they play on Thursday.
“(I want to) execute well with the halftime show, make sure we hit all of our dots, play the music correctly, obviously. And then play with confidence as well. As you know, hype up the crowd and the team,” Whicker said.
