For their final performance of the year, the award-winning Straughn High School String Band will open for Accents at July Jamz.

Director Taylor Weeks said any type of performance is a plus for his kids.

“We will perform anywhere that people ask us to,” Weeks said. “As long as we are able to make it, of course. We look for as many shows to perform in as possible because, ultimately, it helps us in competitions. Any type of stage presence that they have will help towards competitions. We also love performing for city events.”

The students normally have summer break off, but this week has been filled with rehearsals.

“The thing about string band is that it is not a seasonal club,” Weeks said. “With football, you have your football season like with any other sport or club, but string band is year round. So, during the summers I like to give them a little break. They are practicing from August to May all during the week. So, they need a break during the summer, but we are rehearsing this week to get ready for the show on Thursday.”

For the seniors of the group, this is their last performance ever.

“I definitely look at my seniors as the leaders of the group,” Weeks said. “They were one of the firsts to know that we were performing at July Jamz. There were a couple of them that freaked out when I said we were performing at July Jamz. They said, ‘What? Are you serious? July Jamz?’ They have been really excited about it.”

Weeks said he will miss his seniors, but has a good group filling their shoes.

“I do hate to see them go, obviously,” Weeks said. “Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my kids. This group of seniors has been here the whole time and has been great leaders and role models for the underclassmen. There are big shoes to be filled, but I have no doubt that it can be done.”

The group will play a variety of songs that Weeks hopes everyone will love.

“I hope that everyone enjoys the students,” Weeks said. “They have a very diverse set list that hopefully everyone can enjoy. We play a little bit of bluegrass, new country, old country and rock. We try to keep it diverse, so that everyone can find something they like. I hope everyone recognizes the talent that these kids have and will recognize the energy and time that they put into this band.”

The July Jamz gates will open at 5:30 p.m., with the Foam Frenzy starting at 7 p.m.