Three schools join Colony High School during annual Marching Band Invitational

PALMER — Colony High School’s marching band, The Northern Sound was joined by Wasilla High School, Palmer High School, and Redington Junior/Senior High School during Colony’s annual Marching Band Invitational Wednesday evening.

“So glad we got a chance to do this. That was our big worry, that we’re not gonna get to play,” Redington band director Samantha Youmans said.

Around 13 Redington students participated in the Invitational, the first performance of this scale for the newly formed band.

“They did really good. I’m really happy with everything. They worked really hard,” Youmans said.

Youmans started up the school’s first marching band after she moved from Houston Junior/Senior High School.

“This is their first full season,” Youmans said. “These guys, they haven’t been at an event like this before. They were really nervous, but they were excited to see the other bands… It’s cool to see they get to have some camaraderie and encouragement. They can get bigger and better… I’m really excited for the future. There’s some good things coming from Redington. We’re ready.”

Being able to put on the highly anticipated event was a great relief for the local marching bands, who showed their excitement with colorful signs waving while cheering on other schools.

Everyone wore masks during the event. CHS band director Jamin Burton expressed how lucky they all were to have the chance to play.

“I told the kids right before we went on, ‘there’s bands across the country that would kill to have this opportunity,’” Burton said. “I’m very grateful we got this opportunity.”

Burton said that his students started practicing July 29. He said the limited football season means they’re only going to have half their usual performances this year.

“I think the kids have been just glad to do something,” Burton said.

Colony’s marching band wrapped up the invitational with a bombastic and uplifting arrangement of songs selected from the Avengers film franchise. Burton said all the band members have input coming up with each year’s theme.

“It just seemed timely,” Burton said. “Good versus evil… Superheroes are a good thing, something they can relate to and grew up with.”

Burton said that two of his kids are currently in the marching band.

“They’re sad it’s almost over,” Burton said. “It’s just kind of bittersweet

There are only two more football games left on the band’s schedule. After that, the season is over. It would normally go until November, but the current situation has changed a lot this year.

Normally, the band would be gearing up for their next big trip, which would have been to China. That was cancelled, but Burton said everyone’s still in high spirits and ready to hit those final notes next week.

“The kids are super resilient and they want to do this,” Burton said.

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