Teachers march band members’ spots

The Pride of the East Band and Sapphire Drill Team opened up their halftime performance for their teachers to join them Nov 6. It started at 8 a.m. on the field on campus, where the band had just warmed up.

Band Director Glenn Lambert asked the Pride of the East to invite a teacher to march his or her spot. The event started with teachers watching as the band and color guard ran through part one of the halftime marching show. Next came the eagerly awaited moment, where the teachers joined their students on the field.

“It was a pleasure to be part of this tradition,” said Football Coach Gary Porter, who shadowed colorguard member Analee Diaz.

Not only did band and colorguard get to bring teachers into their world, but Sapphires did as well. From Superintendent Dr. David Vinson to AP English IV teacher Mrs. Michelle Lindsay, the drill team showed teachers the ropes of a routine and key components of a kick line.

“We had so much fun and we’re so glad Mr. Lambert let us do this with them,” Mrs. Lindsay said, about shadowing her daughter, senior and Sapphire captain, Ruthie Walker. “They work so hard and make it look like nothing.”

The band and Sapphires both love having their favorite teachers join them on the field, doing what they love, and it’s a learning experience for everyone involved.

“The teachers were really confused but we all had a lot of fun,” junior Jordan Chancellor, a trombone player, said. He invited his physics teacher, Mr. David Shipp onto the marching field.

“He seemed to just go with the flow of it. They all did,” Chancellor said.

The intended goal of the March-A-Spot was to let the students show off, and for the teachers to bond with their students and experience what the band and drill team does.

“I have a whole new respect and appreciation for what the band does,” said Mrs. Diane Boone, an English teacher who was invited to play in the pit by junior Kaylea Norman. “It was great and I really appreciate Mr. Lambert for taking that time to let us do that.”