The Bridgeport High School Alumni Band will be marching in Thursday’s “City of Champions” parade.

 

“I think we have enough to pull this off,” said Mike Hess, BHS alumni drummer and alumni band co-organizer.

 

Formed about four years ago, the alumni band has taken an active part in BHS Homecoming activities and the city’s annual Christmas parade.

 

“We’ve been averaging somewhere between 15 and 30 and I think the biggest band we’ve had was this past homecoming parade,” Hess said. “We can always count on a couple of drummers and front line people and if we have at least three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, flute, clarinet and sax player, we can pretty much do anything and have all the parts covered. It’s the brass instruments which really carry the melody.”

 

For the parade at hand, a tuba player is most needed. Those who have obliged in the past are out of state and unavailable, Hess said. Others who have stepped up to fill in are involved in Thursday night’s Shinnston Community Band performance.

 

Hess encourages anyone with ability to play the tuba – or any instrument – to join forces with the alumni band on Thursday.

 

“I especially remind recent graduates that they can now be part of the alumni band,” Hess said.

 

As the BHS Marching Band is not participating in Thursday’s “City of Champions” parade, Hess also encourages those members to get on board for this gig.

 

“We have plenty of (BHS Alumni Band) T-shirts,” Hess said. “Just wear comfortable clothes and we’ll get you a red shirt.”

 

With advanced notice, Hess can even provide instruments, he said. 

 

It is particularly important for the BHS Alumni Band to make a strong appearance at this particular event, Hess said.

 

“What a great celebration of athletics and academics at BHS. There are so many firsts for our high school, our city and our county,” he said. “That’s why you have an alumni band – to show support and school spirit that maintains long after graduation.”

 

The reason the alumni march, Hess said, is not just for nostalgia purposes – though that is a big part of it.

 

“It’s also community support for all these kids and what they have done in these programs,” said Hess about Bridgeport’s banner year in capturing seven high school state championships.

 

The Bridgeport High School bands are to be commended for their various accomplishments, as well, including ongoing superior ratings, Hess said.

 

“The band program is chugging along. It’s not huge, but every time they go somewhere, they do extremely well,” he said. “The jazz band is always rated No. 1 or No. 2 in the state.”

 

Hess said the community can count on the BHS Alumni Band this Thursday evening. As is appropriate, the band will be playing the BHS Fight Song.

 

“We’ll be there. Even if I have to sing the tuba part,” he said.

 

The alumni band will meet 5:30 p.m. in the All Saints Catholic Church parking lot on Philadelphia Avenue.

 

Learn more about the parade and the inspiration behind it HERE. Former BHS band members can stir up some nostalgic feelings by reading this week’s “It’s Happening” blog.

 

Contact Hess directly at 304-290-2627 or contact BHS Alumni “band mom” Beverly Atchison at 304-842-3099.