The band will perform during halftime of the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., on Jan. 1, 2011

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 10/6/2010 1:59:56 PM

When the Northern Middle band takes the field at the Gator Bowl in January, it will be the only middle school band performing among a group of high school bands. It will also be the first middle school band to perform at the Gator Bowl in recent memory, according to Bowl Games of America. On Dec. 29, the Northern Middle band will travel to Jacksonville, Fla., to participate in competitions and prepare for its halftime performance with other school bands from across the country at the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1, 2011. In the meantime, the band is busy practicing and raising money for the trip.

The Northern Middle band, directed by Dr. Jane VanMiddlesworth and Brandon Davis, practices four days a week for an hour and a half after school in preparation for the Gator Bowl. Their practices consist of learning the music for the routines, practicing their dance moves and physical conditioning, including weight training. The drum line started preparing in February and has an extra rehearsal at 8 a.m. each morning. The drum majors rehearse with the whole band and then for an additional hour.

The band has about 90 members, including a drum line and flag team. It is made up of seventh- and eighth-graders, with one sixth-grader who "plays like an eighth grader," according to the school. They perform in a high step style modeled after the North Carolina A&T Blue and Gold Marching Machine. Their shows include a drum major salute, a "downfield," a slow song and a "breakdown" when the entire band dances. Their percussion cadences, field show and drum major salute are all originals written by Davis. Northern Middle's marching band performs for home football games, as guests at high school games, in local parades, at special events and at school pep rallies and concerts.

"Preparing for the Gator Bowl has created an amazing atmosphere of cooperation, school spirit and pride among the staff, teachers, students and parents," said VanMiddlesworth. "Extraordinary enthusiasm and hard work have created magical results of music learning, teamwork, student leadership, responsibility and camaraderie. One student who has never been a fan of school gets up at 5 a.m. because he is so anxious to get started every day."

VanMiddlesworth says the whole school has joined in the Gator Bowl spirit. Teachers are donating time and money for fundraisers. Students and staff are wearing marching band t-shirts and sweatshirts to show their support. All teachers and staff are working together to make sure the band members keep up their school work. The band will be holding numerous fundraisers to raise money for the trip. They will be selling cookies, Subway gift cards, t-shirts and concessions at sporting events. In addition, the band is planning a talent show, car wash and raffle contest.

In Jacksonville, the Northern Middle band will compete against the participating high school bands for the chance to play during the Gator Bowl pre-game show. All of the bands will have the opportunity to march in the Gator Bowl Parade and perform a group show commissioned by Bowl Games of America during halftime.

"Participating in the marching band requires dedication and commitment, which are two characteristics that help develop excellence," said Principal Sam Misher. "Going to the Gator Bowl is an opportunity for our students to showcase those qualities for themselves and for NGMS. These students have learned to value teamwork and cooperation in addition to dedication and commitment and will see how these qualities can come together in one fantastic performance. No matter what happens, these students will know that they lived our school's motto, 'To expect excellence every day.'" Donations can be made to the Northern Middle marching band by contacting Assistant Principal Karen Ellis at 336-605-3342.