Every year around the first of November, the Union High School Band competes for the state title. On Nov. 2, the Union High School Band will fight for the 2019 state marching championship. Union’s band has a long history of championship-quality shows, which has been proven by consistent championship winnings in the past and by superior ratings in the past few years. The 160-person band is the largest in the 2A category, and every one of them has worked extremely hard for this opportunity. Everyone in the community should drive to Pearl, Mississippi on Nov. 2, to support one of the best bands in the state of Mississippi.
The Union High School Band’s 2019 show is titled “The Greatest Generation” and honors the generation that fought in World War II. The show features several different pieces from the period to symbolize different aspects of the time period. The first piece “In the Mood” symbolizes the carefree attitude at the beginning of the 1940s as the United States began to recover from the Great Depression. An air raid siren sounds, and the second piece is music from the movie Pearl Harbor. This shows the moment when the United States decides to enter World War II. “Sing, Sing, Sing” shows the end of the war as everyone celebrated the return of the military troops and victory against the Axis powers. The show also includes to help show the meaning of each piece. This show not only honors those who fought in World War II but also serves a musical memorial to those who died.
Directors Adam and Katie De Venney keep the Union High School Band extremely busy over the 2019 marching season. The band performs at every football game and has performed at several contests throughout the year. The band competed in contests at Brandon and Oak Grove where they received excellent ratings, and the band also qualified for championships by earning superior ratings at Neshoba Central on Oct. 12. The Union High School Band has won six consecutive championships in the past and has consistently received high ratings over the last several years, which makes the band a significant competitor for state championship.
The championship is almost here for the Union High School Band. They have worked extremely hard all semester long for the opportunity to win state championship. The Union High School Band performs at 2:45 p.m., and awards take place at 5 p.m. The band works just as hard as any of the school sports teams; the band deserves the same respect and community support given to them. The Union High School Band’s 2019 season will culminate this Saturday, and whether they win or lose, they will always have the support of Union.
Matt Hennington writes the Union Community News column each week. Contact him at mch.2000@hotmail.com
