Pearl River Central High School and Band Director Joseph Scott Smith are hosting a camp for their marching band, color guard and dance team July 18-22 to get an early start on their halftime show performance. Students will practice daily to improve their skills and end with a showcase performance, said PRC Blue Brigade President and Historian Lynn Murray.
“This gives these kids plenty of time to get on the same page and be able to give the high school their best performance once the season starts,” said Murray.
Although the camp is only open to PRC High School students who are already enrolled in the electives, Murray said it is also for ninth graders entering one of the programs, to start learning what goes into a marching band performance.
Murray said the kids will learn how to march and be given an opportunity to expand their musical knowledge during the camp.
On the last day, Murray said a showcase will be presented to the public on the front field of PRC High School, offering a free sneak peak of what their halftime show will look like in the upcoming season. At the showcase, Shelly’s Chuck Wagon, will be providing meals for $10 a plate, said Murray. Choices include fried fish or chicken and waffles with a variety of sides like coleslaw, fries and hushpuppies. The vendor will be at the school on Friday from 3-7 p.m. and the performance will start around 6 p.m.
Funds raised during the showcase will go toward the band program to help them participate in the National Independence Day Parade on July 4, 2017 in Washington, D.C., said Murray. The cost will be about $1,000 per student.
“Going to this parade is a great opportunity for these kids. The PRC Blue Brigade Booster Club wants every student to have the opportunity to elevate his or her musical skills and abilities. This opportunity could really help our students achieve their musical goals and would be a great experience for them all,” said Murray.
The PRC Blue Brigade Booster Club, a non-profit organization, is also selling sponsorship packages to help the students attend this event, Murray said. The sponsorship levels range from bronze to platinum, depending on the donation. Co-sponsors can also donate any amount they wish to support the band, color guard and dance team at PRC High School.