UGA Redcoats Rock Vidalia
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Buck Cravey Field was filled with excitement and cheers on Friday, November 1, as the University of Georgia Redcoat Band stopped in Vidalia to practice their halftime and pregame performances on their way to Jacksonville, Florida, for the annual Georgia-Florida game.
Band enthusiasts, students, and Redcoat continued from page
members’ loved ones traveled from as far as McIntosh County on Friday to witness the band’s practice. The group performed their halftime show, which celebrates the autumn season through tunes such as “Frankenstein,” “Moon Dance,” and the theme to the hit movie “Halloween.” Pregame classics, such as “Glory,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and the national anthem were also showcased for the crowd, and the band even performed newer hits, such as “Swag Surfin’” as a “thank you” for allowing the band to utilize the field.
Vidalia High School SoundTribe members and Toombs County High School Redcoats watched the practice with a unique excitement, as they watched Toombs County High School Graduate Jamison Gates and Vidalia High School Graduates Antonio Aguilar, Bailey Hutchins, and Walker Mc-Cord perform with their college.
“It was such a pleasure to see my former student performing at such a high level. I’m so proud of Jamison and all he has accomplished,” Toombs County High School Band Director Noah Bullard emphasized.
“Words cannot describe the feeling Mr. Arnold and I had to see our former students marching with the Redcoats! They love playing with the Redcoats and enjoy being a part of the game day atmosphere with the Bulldogs,” Vidalia High School Band Director Elizabeth Taylor remarked. “We are proud that they feel comfortable auditioning for the collegiate level when they leave Vidalia High School and that they have the skill sets both marching and playing to continue participating beyond high school!”
The UGA Redcoats performance at the school is a part of an annual tradition, where the Redcoats stop at a different high school each year on their way to Jacksonville as a recruiting opportunity. Vidalia High School was selected as the location this year after Taylor contacted some of her colleagues working for the band, who graciously agreed to come to the location.
“We have a great facility and an awesome turf field – it’s perfect for the band to use,” Taylor emphasized. “It was incredible to hear them play in our stadium!”
LOCAL SUPPORT – Local community members were excited not only to witness the band’s performance, but to also cheer on several Toombs County natives who play in the band. (Shown) UGA Southeast District Extension Director Cheryl Poppell shows off a sign which she made to support former Toombs County 4-H Member and current UGA Redcoat Band Member Bailey Hutchins.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
PACKED STADIUM – Buck Cravey Field was filled with students, band enthusiasts, community members, and more, as crowds came from as far as McIntosh County to witness the UGA Redcoat practice.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
BUCK CRAVEY FIELD – Because it is a turf field, like many of the collegiate fields, Buck Cravey Field made an excellent surface for the UGA Redcoats to practice on, according to Vidalia High School Band Director Elizabeth Taylor.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
ANNUAL EVENT – The UGA Redcoat Band chooses a different high school to practice their pregame and halftime performances each year as an opportunity to recruit future band members.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
VIDALIA SOUNDTRIBE GRADUATES – Three former Vidalia High School SoundTribe members now play with the University of Georgia Redcoat Band, and were able to perform on their high school field on November 1. L to R: Vidalia High School Band Director Elizabeth Taylor, Walker McCord, Bailey Hutchins, Antonio Aguilar, Vidalia High School SoundTribe Assistant Band Director Steven Arnold.
PLAYING COLLEGIATELY – Vidalia High School Graduate Walker McCord performs with the UGA Redcoats at his high school field.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
