BHS Scarlet Knights ready to march to successful season

The Barnwell High Scarlet Knights have a new theme, two new directors, and a few new students as they prepare for the new season.

The marching band held their band camp the last two weeks of July. The group of 25 students worked on music and drill for their “Fallen Warriors” themed show.

“Going from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. is not for the weak, no matter the season. Twelve hours alone is enough to scare people away, but add in the summer heat and all the music and only the strong and diligent will come out on top. Luckily, our band students were up for the challenge and completed band camp without much trouble,” said co-director Taylor Clayborn, a native of Atlanta, Ga. who comes to Barnwell with seven years of teaching experience - two years in Allendale and five years in Macon, Ga.

Fellow co-director Jasmine Brown, a native of Barnwell, said the students have worked very hard during camp.

“We worked on marching fundamentals, how to hold your instrument while marching, how to march and play, and how to find the beat by having a little dance party,” said Brown.

After earning her degree in music this year from Limestone College, the 2019 alumna of Barnwell High is excited to return to her alma mater. Her musical journey began in sixth grade at Guinyard-Butler Middle School when she picked up the clarinet, though she switched instruments several times before settling with the saxophone. She was also drum major.

“My entire music experience made me want to get a degree in music which was the best decision I could have ever made! After being around the music education majors and hearing all their stories about teaching music, I was fascinated enough to say that I would want to do that too,” said Brown.

Though she didn’t originally plan to become a teacher and never thought she would return to Barnwell after college, she is excited to be home and help guide her students.

“Being back where it all started and doing something I couldn’t have seen myself doing is very rewarding,” said Brown, who thanks her former directors from Barnwell and professors from Limestone. “They all have impacted my life and music career in some way and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have the best job in the world.”

This year’s show is about the Terracotta Army collecting terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.

“We chose this show because of its energy. The more you listen to it, the more you can add to the show visually for it to come to life,” said Brown. “The kids are very excited to put the show together! They love helping me come up with visual ideas for the show and what they play in the stands to make the crowd dance along with them!”

Both new co-directors want to use their expertise to help each band member grow individually while ultimately strengthening the band as a whole.

“My top goal is to increase the band growth in the district across all the schools. I also want to expand the notoriety of the concert band so that the marching band isn’t the only band people think of and discuss,” Clayborn said.

“Our goals for this season are to make sure that the band puts on the best show possible whether it is in front of Barnwell County on Friday night or in front of judges on Saturday morning and have them be proud of themselves when they walk off the field no matter what the outcome is,” said Brown. In just the last two weeks, Brown said the kids have shown her what they can do.

Joining the two adult leaders are several student leaders, including drum major Nicholas Jones, woodwind captain Madison Doughtie, brass/low winds captain Tyler Still, guard co-captains Kamryn Cave and Amaika Adi, and percussion captain Savanna All.

“We are still working and learning. Leaders are coming back and trying to give the best experience for rookies,” said Nicholas Jones, a junior who is in his fourth year with the Scarlet Knights.

Senior Savanna All is starting her sixth year with the band where she plays the drum set. She said the music this year is “very beautiful” and is “super fun to play.”

Though the musicians are an integral part of the band, the color guard is just as important due to the visual component they add.

“We are the color of the band. Color guard is like dance but on the field. We bring the show to life,” said Amaika Adi, a senior entering her fifth year of band. She’s excited to use a saber this year.

Though most of the band members are veterans, there are several newcomers starting their marching band journey. This includes Audrey Sanders, who is part of the color guard, and her brother, Simon Sanders, who plays percussion.

“My favorite part was learning flagwork. It’s not like learning an instrument. It’s a lot of arm strength. Once you get it down, you don’t forget it,” said Audrey.

Marching band has taught her discipline because members have to do things over and over until it’s perfect. She’s also made new friends.

“The students have a lot of musical ability and excitement for the season, especially after making it to the state competition for marching band last year,” said Clayborn.

Freshman Zy’nietra Grant, who is starting her second year with percussion, hopes they can make it to state again this year.

The directors are super excited for the students to make memories and go as far as they can with their musical abilities.