The sound of drums and horns reverberate off the walls of the gym in the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) as the St. Clair County Honor Band tuned their instruments. On Jan. 28, students from schools throughout St. Clair County came together to perform a selection of songs, led by retired band directors Tim Hammond and Connie Hammond.

Tim Hammond retired in 2016 after 29 years of teaching. He was the Band Director at Thompson Middle and High School for 11 years and was previously the Band Director at Minor High School. His wife, Connie Hammond also retired in 2014 after 33 years of teaching. The last 11 years of her career were spent at Thompson Middle School in Alabaster, Alabama. She has also served as a clinician for the Alabama Bandmasters Association, and numerous Alabama school systems.

According to Sidney Brown, band director for the Pell City School System, approximately 150 students from grades seven through 12 and one sixth-grader participated. Students were selected from schools throughout St. Clair County including Pell City, Moody, Ragland, Springville, Odenville, Leeds and Ashville.

Auditions for the St. Clair County Honor Band were held on Thursday afternoon. Students rehearsed on Friday and Saturday morning and performed Saturday afternoon. Students only had a day and a half to learn new music pieces.

Awards were also presented to students who “exemplify the highest standards as a musician, a loving heart and a willingness to go above and beyond.” The Regina Barnes King Memorial Award, given in honor of teacher Regina Barnes King, was presented to Kyra Roberson of Duran North Junior High School. The recipient of the Ronnie White Memorial Award was Brandon Vaughn of Springville High School. Ronnie White was a lifelong resident of Pell City and band director of Pell City until his death in 2008. Mr. White had a passion for music and love for his students. These awards are given in memory of the dedication their namesakes presented as an example to their students and community.

The Pell City Band Boosters are holding a fundraiser to purchase new uniforms and instruments for the Pell City High School Band. Last year the Band Boosters were able to raise $17,000 for the band program. These funds help with marching band uniforms, large and more expensive instruments such as tubas and drums, transportation for football games and competitions for high school band students, and help keep student band fees low.

The Pell City Band Boosters Second Annual $10,000 Drawdown Event will be held on March 4, 2017 from 5pm-9pm at Celebrations. Tickets are available for a $100 donation each and include dinner for two from Whisker’s Catfish. There will also be games, door prizes, and a silent auction. Comedian Jonna “Red Squirrel” Roberson will be hosting the event. The menu for the evening catered by Whisker’s Catfish will include fried catfish, chicken fingers, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, beverage, and dessert.

Only 300 tickets are available and can be purchased from any Pell City Band parent or by contacting the Band Booster President Michael Glidewell at (205) 213-6480. You may also purchase them at the Pell City High School Band room on Feb. 4 and 18 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. All ticket purchases are tax deductible and funds raised go directly to support the Pell City High School Band.