Cougar Band marches toward new season in Wright’s eighth year

By Amber Cowell

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Not many people realize the dedication and hard work that goes into being a member of the Campbell County High School marching band. The more than fifty member strong band under the direction of eighth-year CCHS Band Director Adam Wright has been hitting the pavement and braving the heat for the past two weeks in preparation of the upcoming 2021 season.  

“It’s awesome!  I’m enjoying the leadership opportunity and being able help all the underclassmen that I wasn’t able to help before.  I’m grateful to have a marching season my senior year, since COVID kept us from doing our regular type of show last year,” said Senior and High Brass Leader Noah Bell about his preseason camp experience.

Marching was not permitted last year due to COVID restrictions.

“We learn the music for our show, and teach the newcomers the basics of marching.  We also learn our “drill”, which is how we move and are placed on the field during the performance.  Also, there’s lots of team building and lots of fun! We are like a big family really,” added Bell about band camp.  

The band relies on community support and welcomes donations of bottled water, used instruments in good working order and will also be participating in fund raisers throughout the year.  They also operate a concession stand during home football games located near the visitors’ section.  All proceeds from that stand go directly to support the band.

The Mighty Cougar Marching Band will be prepared to entertain the crowds under the lights at Dossett Stadium for the kickoff of the Cougar football season at home on August 27. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/05/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)