String band plans concert
Published 2:57 am Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Locals looking for something to do Friday night can head over to Straughn High School to hear some award-winning talent.
The SHS String Band will be performing – rain or shine – at their Backporch Bash 2016.
The band recently won first place in the district FFA string band competition and second place in the quartet competition. This was the first year since the late 1950s, they have competed in the quartet event.
These wins earned them spots at the state FFA competition in June at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center.
The band consists of Loni Nicole Blatz, Morgan Brooke Campbell, James Eric Dorman, William Issac Fountain, Taylor Santana Hamrac, Taylor Danielle Hudson, Daniel Ryan Mock, Joseph Allen Pettis, Allison Jade Smith and Brinnley Stewart. They are under the direction of Karen McGlaun.
Blatz, who is a third year member of the band, said she has continued to stay in the band because of McGlaun.
“Her never-ending push and motivation,” she said. “She’s one of those people you can’t quit on.”
Blatz, who is a junior, said she plans to participate in her senior year.
“I hope we are able to come home with the title,” she said. “I’m super excited.”
Friday night’s event starts at 6 p.m. with alumni and guests Stephen Davis, Jonathon Brooks and Jamie Kelly.
At 6:45 p.m., group and individual performances will come from the string band.
The community and students can participate in open mic talent from 7:30 p.m. until 7:50 p.m.
At 8 p.m., alumni Terry Franklin, Allan Franklin, Diane Tucker, Scott Rogers, Bryce Stewart and Karen McGlaun will take the stage.
The night will close with performances from all alumni and the string band with a little Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Gimmee Three Steps,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and a little Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t See You.”
McGlaun said that concession will be available, including homemade ice cream, hot dogs, candy, cokes and water for $1 each.
Admission is $2.
Bring your lawn chair.