(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) Margaret Krizan directs students during Monday's first day of band practice at the high school.
by Chuck Licata
John Perrin is in his seventh year as Band Director at Liberty Hill High School so he knows the “routine” of Opening Day of band practice at LHHS.
As he watched his band practice Monday (Aug. 6), he talked and used terms usually reserved for high school football coaches on Day One of practice.
“Our kids know the routines – and now, they don’t have to be told what to do, they just go out there and doit,” stated Perrin. “(Over the years) we’ve had great bands; they’ve always done what we told them. This year, because these kids have been in the program so long, they are doing things without us having to tell them.”
(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) LHHS Band Director John Perrin and band parent Fred Ashby watch the LHHS band during Monday's first day of practice at the high school.
The enthusiasm level for this year’s 120 band members is so high, Perrin revealed, that it started before the first-day, 8 a.m. practice.
“I pulled up at 7:30 this morning and 25 percent of the band (members) were already waiting outside the office for me!” Perrin declared proudly. “They were already warmed up by the time 8 a.m. practice started. It was pretty amazing.”
Perrin said the band has a goal to advancing to state – a level with which his upperclassmen are familiar.
“Our seniors know what (getting to state) is all about,” Perrin stated. “Even as far back as seventh grade, this senior class had three kids make it to the state level.”
The band’s underclassmen showed a “hunger” usually reserved for high school athletes.
(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) Dray Luckadoo watches as members of the LHHS band go through a routine.
“Oh yah, you can tell the freshmen are ready to perform at a high level,” Perrin said. “Each member of this band – no matter what class they’re in – knows our goal is to get to state and they’re ready to perform.”
Liberty Hill’s mentor feels confident about the band’s program this year.
“It’s a quality program with great music,” Perrin explained. “The music will be recognized – and enjoyed – by most everybody who will hear it. I’m excited about the potential of this band.”
