Area band students will get an opportunity to watch a drum and bugle corp work, and possibly participate in a workshop with them latter this summer.

AHS band director Bennie Shellhouse got permission from the board of education Thursday for the Southwinds Drum and Bugle Corp to use facilities at the high school June 23-25.

The marching group meets at different locations over a period of several weekends to prepare for drum and bugle corps competition, Shellhouse explained. In Andalusia, they will sleep on cots in the gymnasium, and use the bandroom, volleyball gym, and football field.

“This is a great opportunity for our kids to see a more polished type group,” Shellhouse said. “It’s a good chance for the bands around our area, to see how they practice, and the intensity with which they practice.

Shellhouse said he plans to work with band directors in surrounding communities to offer an event for band members on the Friday night of Southwinds’ stay.

LBWCC instructor Johnny Brewer also is associated with Southwinds.