Eleven months of screening audition tapes, preparing music, writing drill and other preparations culminated for WCU athletic band directors Bob Buckner ’67, Matt Henley ’93 MA ’95 and Jon Henson ’05 MAEd ’07 earlier this year in San Antonio’s Alamodome. There, after 16 hours and 45 minutes of rehearsals under Buckner’s direction, a band of the top high school marching musicians in the country performed with the All Texas Color Guard before a crowd of about 40,000 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The musicians were members of the first-ever U.S. Army All-American Band, and they were phenomenal, said Buckner. “Imagine a marching band doing an exhibition performance on the second day of band camp,” he said. “It’s like learning drill on steroids.”
The event was months ago, but the show goes on at WCU, where preparations are under way for next year after the national association of music education invited Buckner and his staff to direct the group again. “Bob Buckner’s experience and knowledge were invaluable in making the first year of this national recognition for high school seniors such a huge success,” said Lynn Brinckmeyer, president of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. “We are thrilled that Bob can once again act as director.”
Buckner said WCU band students helped with preparations, and he was particularly grateful to the event staff, including Henley, who wrote the percussion and rhythm section arrangements, and Henson, who developed instructional videos and handled electronics issues, including the sound enhancement system.
The show was called “Red Hot, White and Blue.” Songs included “We’re an American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad. “The arrangements of the music were really effective and featured every section of the band,” said Buckner. “Even the tubas had a place to show off a little bit.”
The musicians selected for the band each earn an all-expense paid trip to the event. Their uniforms were provided by DeMoulin Uniform Company, of which Steve Trull ’74 is the national vice president. Students worked with directors including Bobby Lambert ’97, assistant director of the nationally recognized Marian Catholic High School Band.
For All-American Marching Band participant Molly Underwood, a senior piccolo player, flutist and drum major from North Lincoln High School in Lincolnton, the experience was “absolutely awesome.” Underwood said band members bonded quickly and everyone, like her, wanted to pursue a career in music. She is planning to attend WCU this fall. Buckner said the WCU staff was not there to recruit, but they were happy to talk about WCU to students who asked about the program. "The average grade point average for the All-American band was 3.6, and many of the students participated in community service activities such as the Special Olympics and Relay For Life,” said Buckner. “We are honored and excited to have Molly join us this fall.”