“Make it a Grand Week”- Olivia Lobertini, The Grand on Central

Select Cougar Band members were “official members of the Pride of the Southland Band for a day”

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

KNOXVILLE, TN (WLAF)- Saturday, Bryson Brown, Anistyn Curran, Owen Dial and Ethan Meade, members of the Campbell County High School Marching Band, had the opportunity to perform at Neyland Stadium with the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band. 

“Our students had the opportunity to meet and have lunch with current band members and staff of the Pride of the Southland, visit the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, and perform inside Neyland Stadium during Saturday’s Orange and White Football game,” said Olivia Lobertini, Post-Secondary Coordinator at Campbell County High School.

“Getting to play with the UTK pep band was amazing. My biggest dream in life is getting into music education at the University of Tennessee and being able to play/march with the POTS marching band. So getting to participate for a day was incredible. It was a truly awesome experience, and I definitely plan on attending again my junior and senior year,” said Sophomore Trombonist Anistyn Curran.
Trombone.

“I am absolutely stoked to see so many students repeatedly go out of their way to pursue music at higher levels! Playing with these college groups are once in a lifetime opportunities, and I’m proud to see them seize the day! We have some amazing students in Campbell County!,” said Adam Wright, Campbell County High School Band Director.

“It was fun playing with such a big band and being in Neyland Stadium. That kind of chance doesn’t come often,” said Owen Dial, a sophomore. Dial is a percussionist.

“Visiting the campus and being apart of their band, you can see the community they have and how strong it is. Being in the stands with such a prestigious college band was inspiring. When I played, I felt like a part of the band. When we sat down and talked, I felt included and appreciated. I only hope the program keeps this event going, so people can feel what it’s like to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” said Senior Trumpeter Ethan Meade.

“This special opportunity was only open to a select number of high school students, and we had “four” representing CCHS. Way to go, Cougars!,” said Lobertini.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/13/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBORAH DIAL)