Houston hosts first band invitational, plays in unison with Colony High

HOUSTON — History was made Thursday night at Houston Junior/Senior High School.

Houston hosted its first Marching Band Invitational in the school’s history, joined by Colony High School, a.k.a. The Northern Sound.

Lots of hugs were shared throughout the event. It was clear that both school bands were very supportive of one another.

“They’re all the same. All the band kids are the same,” Houston band instructor Samantha Youmans said.

Colony kicked off the invitational with a series of performances from the soundtrack to DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” complete with viking scenery and flags.

There was thunderous applause from both schools when it was their turn to listen. Several CHS band members were seen holding up signs in support of Houston, saying things like ‘Go Houston’ with the iconic red hawk symbol.

When it was time for Houston to take the field, the Hawks band members literally ran to their positions. They danced around and acted jovially as they waited to start. Youmans said the energy amongst her students was particularly high because this was their very first time hosting an invitational.

The movie theme continued. Houston performed several songs from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The up and coming band with more members and obvious passion performed more intricate routines with clean harmonics than ever before, met with high praise by their CHS counterparts.

“They are getting really good,” CHS band member Elias Newffer said,

After both schools performed, they all banded together to play several songs together, a first for everyone. As CHS students made their way to the track to join Houston, several friends and acquaintances shared friendly exchanges with each other.

After the show, a CHS band member asked CHS band instructor Jamin Burton if they could play another song as everyone got ready to go. He said yes. One song turned into another, with spontaneous music springing up from thin air.

“They’ll play all night if you let them,” Burton said.

Kids danced around with big smiles and couldn’t seem to stop playing. The music fever hit a pitch. One parent called it a “music binge.”

They even did an impromptu “Iron Man” jam session, making their own rock concert. Kids jumped up and down, shaking, smiling and laughing with an evident amount of euphoria. It looked like a natural high from music and camaraderie.

Burton reminded everyone it was a school night and they had to get home at a reasonable hour.

Youmans laughed, agreeing with Burton’s statement.

“They would stay here all night [if we let them],” Youmans said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com