The Perryville High School Marching Band has created a field show called “Aurora” that celebrates the beauty of the Northern Lights. Pirate fans can see the show next Saturday, Oct. 19 a the Homecoming game against the Herculaneum Blackcats. Kickoff is at 1 pm, and the band takes the field at halftime.
Photo: PHS Marching Buccaneers perform field show "Aurora"
“The timing of the announcement of this year’s field show coincided with the Northern Lights being visible here last spring,” said Band Director Jerry Childers. “That was pretty cool. This show has no real story; it’s all about beautiful moving colors and great music. Our students are really enjoying it. They love the music and are having fun with it while we drill.”
Photo: PHS band rehearses for Homecoming
Band students put a lot of time and effort into developing and rehearsing their field shows. “We had a 2-and-a-half week band camp in the summer,” Childers said. “They put in 8 hour days in the blazing heat to prepare for marching season. Then we have our class period, and rehearsals two afternoons a week. This is a commitment that they take seriously, and it’s a true pleasure to work with this group of students.”
Photo: PHS band rehearses for Homecoming
The band program remains vibrant at PHS, with 75 members including the band and color guard. Childers is joined by Assistant Band Director Jacob Bagot. “But we do it all together,” he said. “It’s such a pleasure to work with him.” The Color Guard director is Rachel Likert, who he says has been a great addition to the team. “She’s doing an excellent job with the program,” he said.
Photo: 2024 Drum Majors Makayla Iffert (left) and Hallie Figge
This year’s drum majors are senior Hallie Figge and Makayla Iffert. Hallie is in her second year as drum major. “She has great musical leadership skills and is very respected among her musical peers,” Childers said. “She will make a good band leader.” Hallie plays the clarinet. Makayla, a junior, plays alto saxophone. “Makayla is young and already shows great leadership skills and has a great connection with other students,” he said. “She will help us move the band forward.”
Photo: PHS drumline rehearses
Childers said a successful band has lots of helpers. “Our band parents play a role in our success,” he said. “They are always invited to help us moving equipment on and off the field, and to go along to help at band competitions, which is a huge help. We also have tremendous support from our administrators at the high school. And we have retired educators like Bill Fischer who are always happy to help where they can. We’re grateful for all of that support, and the cheers and encouragement we get from our audiences.”