Opinion: Just what the doctor ordered, a field of dreams

Last week I sat in the stands of the Colony High football stadium, as fall’s crispness surrounded us.

This year there was no rain freezing, no frost demonstrating the eminence of Alaska’s longest season, the termination dust just sat upon the mountains this week instead of years past where its presence has been overshadowed by snow. But tonight there’s an electricity in these stands Tonight there’s tradition being birthed, awe being enveloped like a blanket. Tonight we get to witness the birth of something magical and historical. The year 2018 saw the genesis of four Marching Bands, all of them in the Mat-Su Borough. These stands that have usually only been filled with parents of Colony High, the host of an invitational that they’ve never lost, are now overflowing with band members, families and individuals supporting multiple schools from across the borough. It’s worth noting that until last year they were the only band showcased.

Houston High took the field first with 15 members marching onto the field. Houston began their journey last season as Samantha Youmans, a former Colony graduate and member of Thee Northern Sound, she saw the formation of Houston’s marching band with the support of Houston High administration. Wasilla High had a drum line take the field with 6 fearless members. Palmer High took the field with a robust 35 members in their inaugural participation of the event. Redington High was unable to attend, but I’ve heard they formed a Marching Band this year as well.

How does this happen? There are many facets one could examine. From the values of Colony High’s administration to the support of the Mat-Su Borough School District. As I am the writer I get to determine the direction today.

One man, a man with a vision, came to Alaska believing in the high value of students learning music, experiencing its rapture, becoming enveloped in the art of sound. That’s how Dr. Jamin Burton, of Colony High could host a Marching Band Invitational for 14 years even though the only band present was his own. He added his own chapter to this Field of Dreams. He built it and they came. His value and belief has taken Alaskan students from one Valley high school to the Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena to Grand Nationals in Indianapolis where the students received the spirit award demonstrating what only these Alaskan kids could. They cheered on every single band that took the field! Captivated by the fact that there were so many who loved their sport, hobby, & passion, they exemplified a spirit that is counter cultural to the lower 48 invitational scene where competition to be the best is the main goal. Last year these Colony students were so ecstatic at the birth of another marching band at Houston High that they made signs with every Houston band member’s name emblazoned upon them and cheered like it was their sibling winning the mountain marathon. 2017 saw Dr Burton take the band to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and in 2019 they will be in Normandy playing the 75th anniversary of D-day. And tonight, on this field we hear the echoes of Dr Burton’s vision. He built it and they came.

Ruben Reyes is a Valley resident, parent, lover of music and believer in students.