Bob Jones High School Marching Band had the honor of performing at the Outback Bowl in Tampa FL on New Years Day, 2010. Being the proud band parent that I am, I was in awe of this wonderful group of high school students. I never dreamed that being a band mom would be ‘all that’. Was I ever wrong!

The road to the Outback Bowl actually began this past summer, under the direction of Mr. Doyle Thornton and Mr. Keith Anderson during the summer’s band camp and continued through the high school football season. Believe me I witnessed many of these practices where the students would practice in the rain, heat, and then cold.

Some of the finest high school bands in the country attended the week long competition at the Outback Bowl along with Bob Jones High including schools from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Georgia. We were amazed at the performances we saw.

The kids not only practiced long hours, they worked hard for this opportunity by raising money all year so they could pay for their trips. So the next time a ‘band kid’ hits you up to buy some pecans, fruit, or an ad for their concert programs, just know they are doing this for a reason. Each band member paid their own way or at least assisted their parents in paying for this once in a lifetime trip and if you know a BJHS ‘band kid’ be sure you let them know you are proud of their hard work the next time you see them.

Not only did Auburn win the football game, the ‘kids’ did great in the week long band competition, in fact, they were announced as the Grand Champions of the Outback Bowl Parade. I’m so proud to be a band parent and have decided that YES  …being a band mom IS “all that” and much more!  …Hope you enjoy the photos.

- Elizabeth

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