Panther Marching Band Finishes Season Of Firsts
Clarksville High School’s Marching Panthers forged new territory this season under the leadership of new Head Director, Dr. Danielle Hodges, and Assistant Directors Alexis Barnhart and Cameron Connell.
This fall, the Marching Panthers performed a rock show entitled “Classic Vinyl,” which featured some of the most iconic rock tunes of the era, including the Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road,” Lynard Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun,” Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and Guns & Roses’ “Paradise City.”
The show featured Jace Holzman on drum set, Elijah Reynolds on guitar and Ayden Flurry on bass guitar.
“This year was one of the most challenging for the band with a new team of directors, early morning and evening rehearsals and many weather-related cancellations,” Hodges said. “The band endured through heat, cold, rain and shine to have one of the most memorable and influential years yet for the Panther Band.”
The Marching Panthers had many firsts this season. The band attended its first marching invitationals in many years, attended its first-ever band and orchestra association-style competition and represented Clarksville at the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association (ASBOA) State Marching Competition for the first time in school history.
On top of attending these prestigious events, the band brought home its first superior ratings in three years. The band also received first place percussion, first place color guard and first place band in their classification at the McDonald’s Marching Classic in Paragould.
The season culminated with the band’s best performance of the season and the seniors’ final show on Nov. 12 at the ASBOA State Marching Competition at War Memorial Stadium. The Panthers were 3.5 points away from a state-level first division, being judged by five world-renowned judges and composers.
Seniors who helped lead the band to its first state competition include Jackelyn Bautista, Adriana Bowman, Mady Chism, Camilia Cruz, Carley Flurry, Sydnee Owens, Alison Visger and B.J. Walton.
“This season has set a new standard for the Panthers and is just the beginning for even greater accomplishments in the years to come,” Hodges said. “The Marching Panthers would like to thank many people in the community, churches, businesses, the Clarksville Band Boosters and the Clarksville administration. This year’s accomplishments reflect a united and supportive Clarksville community.
“One of the best days of my career was seeing the excitement and united support of the community for the state sendoff. It is incredibly special to be a part of the Clarksville community.”
The Panther Band is now gearing up for its Christmas Concert featuring music from around the world. It will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, in the Clarksville Fine Arts Building. The concert is free and open to the public. There will be special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures at the conclusion of the concert.
Members of the Clarksville Panther Marching Band include (front row, from left) Alexis Barnhart, assistant director; Dana Hernandez Alvarez, Sydnee Owens, Dianelys Gamez, Balen Moore, Khloe Muldoon, Briseis Ruiz, Stephanie Juanes, Camila Santillan, Elektra Lee, Cameron Connell, assistant director; (second row) Layla Ramos, Guillermo Perez, Leonardo Ruiz, Dax Barnes, Noah Bailey, Jackelyn Bautista, Austin Burris, Peyton Leeds, Carley Flurry, Hannah Proctor, Alex Flores, David Sanchez, Camilia Cruz, Chloe Graves, Dr. Danielle Hodges, head director; (third row) Maya Rivera Chavez, Kelly Hernandez, Alison Visger, Adriana Bowman, Jayden Kremers, Colton Loving, Jace Holzman, Aron Martinez, Elijah Reynolds, Juny Garcia, Payden Hough, Aaron Arredondo, Mady Chism, Jesus Canales, Kayleigh Yates; (back row) Lori Grace, Elizabeth Medina, Beckett Wilhelmi, Parker Lange, Larry Chavez, Anthony Gomez, Ashton Mayes, Paden Taylor, Aarick Cruz, Larry Gravit, Danielle Dickerson, Izzabella Addison, and B.J. Walton. Not pictured are Ayden Flurry, Macy Avaritt, Samantha Grace, Victoria Hodges, Addison Nichols and Pedro Olguin.
–Photo courtesy CHS Band
To read the full story see the Dec.4 edition of The Graphic, found online and in businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.
