After a decade-long absence, the Bishop Montgomery High School band is back up and running. Under the guidance of new faculty member and band director Eric Hankey, the group made its first appearance at the varsity football's win over Vista del Lago last Friday evening, much to the delight of the crowd in attendance.
Response to the band's revival has been overwhelming, not only from football fans, but also from alumni who remember the group's formidable presence on campus when they were students. BMHS grad Jeff Miller commented on Facebook that the band's return is "Awesome!! It's been way too long." Other alumni remember fondly their years in the band program and are excited to see its return to the BMHS community.
The current student body appears to echo that same sentiment as the band's popularity increases daily. With 20 members on the roster at the start of the school year, Hankey is already seeing that number grow, and looks forward to a strong program that will not only include musicians, but the BMHS song team, short flag team, and baton twirler as well. Together, these students will comprise a marching band that will perform at BMHS home games and, eventually, compete against other high school bands in local competitions.
But, Hankey does not intend to stop at the football field. With Principal Rosemary Libbon's full blessing, Hankey will continue working with his band members to create a jazz ensemble and a concert band, both of which will perform at various BMHS events.
Building the program is Hankey's primary focus for now, and he is excited about the energy the band's presence has already created on campus. Encouraged by support from the BMHS student body, parents and alumni, he looks forward to creating a program that will hit a high note among the entire Bishop community.
Response to the band's revival has been overwhelming, not only from football fans, but also from alumni who remember the group's formidable presence on campus when they were students. BMHS grad Jeff Miller commented on Facebook that the band's return is "Awesome!! It's been way too long." Other alumni remember fondly their years in the band program and are excited to see its return to the BMHS community.
The current student body appears to echo that same sentiment as the band's popularity increases daily. With 20 members on the roster at the start of the school year, Hankey is already seeing that number grow, and looks forward to a strong program that will not only include musicians, but the BMHS song team, short flag team, and baton twirler as well. Together, these students will comprise a marching band that will perform at BMHS home games and, eventually, compete against other high school bands in local competitions.
But, Hankey does not intend to stop at the football field. With Principal Rosemary Libbon's full blessing, Hankey will continue working with his band members to create a jazz ensemble and a concert band, both of which will perform at various BMHS events.
Building the program is Hankey's primary focus for now, and he is excited about the energy the band's presence has already created on campus. Encouraged by support from the BMHS student body, parents and alumni, he looks forward to creating a program that will hit a high note among the entire Bishop community.
The Bishop Montgomery High School Band is looking for donations, either monetary or instruments, to help fill their equipment needs. They are looking to add the following instruments:
- Grand piano
- guitars
- bass guitars
- keyboards
- drumsets
- flutes
- saxophones
- clarinets
- trumpets
- other brass instruments
If you would like to make a financial contribution to help pay for instruments, or you have instruments you would like to donate to the band, please contact Andy Marafino, BMHS Director of Development ([email protected]) or Eric Hankey, Band Director ([email protected]).