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The Thompson High School band closely follows the lead of a guest conductor during a concert on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the THS Performing Arts Center. (Reporter photo/Keith McCoy)

ALABASTER – Thompson High School’s Marching Southern Sounds presented its first concert featuring the entire band on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the high school’s Performing Arts Center.

The concert included performances by the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Band director Justin White said a total of 220 students participated in the concert. The band has been working on the music for the concert since September in addition to still participating in marching band, which has been extended since the football team has made it to postseason play.

“I am so proud of them for being organized, managing their time and keeping up with it all,” White said. “This is on top of their rigorous school work. I’ve been impressed with how they’ve been able to balance and handle these challenges with ease.”

Each band performed two to three musical selections, one of which featured sound effects. The selection High Voltage, performed by the Concert Band, included computers that performed live acoustic and electrical sound effects.

The concert also featured guest conductors and musicians, one being conductor and musician Richard Floyd who White described as the “Nick Saban of college bands with the kindness of Mr. Rogers.” Floyd, who is from Texas, spent time at THS working with all three bands.

Music educator and professional pianist Christian McNeal peformed an accompanying piece with the Children’s March played by the Wind Ensemble. McNeal, a THS graduate and piano teacher, said working at his alma mater has been a great experience.

“Working here has given me the opportunity to give back to the school that helped prepare me,” he said. “I want to help develop kids into better musicians and better people in general.”

For those who missed the Nov. 14 concert, there are other opportunities coming up to see the band perform. The Alabaster Christmas Parade is set for Dec.7 and the THS Christmas Concert is Dec. 10.

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