The Shadow
As the 2024-2025 school year sets to begin, members of the AHS Marching Cougars have been preparing for the upcoming football and competition season after several off-season changes to the program. Confirmed during the summer break, AHS administrators and band directors announced that 8th grade members of the Covington Middle School Band could join the AHS Marching Cougars for the Fall 2024 season! This was a collective effort championed by former leaders, current director, Adam Eggleston, and the booster club organization. In the Spring of 2024, parents presented a packet of information to school board officials asking them to support the inclusion of 8th grade students into the marching band program. Molly Diment, current director of the CMS band program states, “having this opportunity will allow 8th grade students to learn more complex music and serve as a bridge of transition between the programs.” Potential 8th grade families were sent information on the opportunity over the summer and allowed to participate if they met the high standards of maturity and try-outs.
The 2024-2025 AHS Marching Cougars kicked off the season by welcoming a new Assistant Director, Amanda Sprouse, to join Mr. Eggelston and Laura Desilvey, color guard instructor, for a well rounded team. Mrs. Sprouse is currently AHS Choir Director and brings a wealth of musical knowledge to the program. Students and directors have gotten a head start on preparation for the season as they participated in three weeks of intense band camp. Students had the opportunity to learn music, practice marching drills, and work on team building efforts. The AHS Marching Cougars will take the field and debut their new show on Friday, September 13, 2024 when Cougar Football welcomes Rockbridge County for the first home game of the season.
