The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — The Alleghany High School Marching Band is getting ready for its first show of the season at a football game on Friday, September 5, when Alleghany plays Brookville at Casey Field in Covington.
Under the direction of Adam Eggleston, students are practicing their music and marching routines for the halftime show. Eggleston is also thinking about holding a special practice performance so the public can see the band before football season starts. The date will be announced later.
The band will also take part in the Central Highlands Marching Band Showcase in Lexington on Wednesday, October 1, performing alongside other school bands from the region.
The marching band is part of a broader music program at AHS that has been growing in recent years. Since 2022, the concert band has gained 15 members. Students now have opportunities to participate in marching band, concert band, wind ensemble, and guitar classes, offering a variety of ways to explore and develop musical skills.
For some students, these opportunities connect directly to future goals. Senior Kenny Sprouse is preparing for a career in technology that includes live sound work. He has performed with the Richmond Symphony in a special Veterans Day concert in fall 2024.
When asked what makes the band program special to him, Sprouse said, “I like the community of people that share the love of music, being able to help those who share that love to get more apt in their ability to recreate it.”
For others, the band program offers a sense of community and involvement, even if music is not part of their intended career. Alayna Shumaker enjoys the friendships that come with being part of the group, though she is interested in becoming a veterinary technician.
“I have learned so much in the band like different types of music and how many genres of music there actually are. I have also learned how to make friends and how to show people kindness,” said Shumaker.
High school musicians can first discover their interest in band at Covington Middle School. The CMS band program, now led by new director Tara Martin, introduces students in grades 6-8 to the basics of instrumental performance, teamwork, and musical literacy. Performances, classroom learning, and encouragement from peers often inspire students to continue with music into high school, just as many current AHS band members once did.
Superintendent Kim Halterman noted that community encouragement plays a key role in sustaining the program. “It is important for our community to celebrate student strengths and accomplishments across academics, athletics, and the arts,” she said.
“Our students can hear our cheers for them, and it matters to them.”
The music programs will be having a special kick off gathering to start the school year at Jackson River Sports Complex on Saturday, August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. Events include a car show and dunking booth.
Alleghany High School will host a special holiday recruitment concert on Friday, December 19, at 9:30 a.m., designed to inspire a love of music among students across all Alleghany Highlands Public Schools.
Students interested in joining the Alleghany High School Band may contact Eggleston at adam.eggleston@ahps.k12.va.us. For Covington Middle School, contact the school counseling office.
AHPS was formed in July 2022 through the merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center.
With approximately 2,700 students, AHPS enables a more efficient use of local resources to provide a high-quality education for all students.
For more information, visit www.ahps.k12.va.us. Follow AHPS on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and on Instagram at ahpublicschools
