The sounds of drums, horns, and other instruments will fill the air at Ardmore High School later this month in what has become an annual tradition. Band members at Ardmore High School are busy preparing for the annual Band Camp, to be held at the school during the week of July 24.

It seems that every year, as the weather heats up, so does the Tiger Marching Band.

Band Camp is a very important time. It is during these often hot and humid July days that the band puts together its halftime show. Students work extremely hard, often under a baking sun, to make sure that Ardmore football fans are well entertained during intermission at football games in the fall.

Last year, the Tiger Band put together the highly successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” halftime show. Both Band Director Stanley Nelson and AHS Principal Mike Owens expressed their respect for what the students had accomplished.

“It is unbelievable what the students have been able to accomplish,” remarked Nelson at the conclusion of last year’s band camp. “Out on that asphalt where the practice sessions are being conducted the heat index must be around 120 degrees. The kids have taken great care of themselves. We have had a nurse on duty at all times, but she hasn’t really had to treat anyone.”

Nelson was not the only person at AHS who expressed pride in the band’s successful camp. Principal Mike Owens also spoke of the students’ efforts in glowing terms.

“A lot of people think the athletes are the only ones who have to suffer in the heat,” said Owens. “Our band has really had their mettle tested this week. They have done a tremendous job in spite of the heat. They have endured and they have persevered. Mr. Nelson should also be commended. He has taken great care of the students, like a mother hen with her chicks.”

Nelson and Owens both feel that this year’s band camp will be even more successful. In addition, band members will have something they didn’t have last year.

Ardmore High School’s Tiger Band will no longer have to worry about trying to practice on a muddy, rain-soaked field, thanks in large part to the Band Boosters, Limestone County Commissioner Tommy Raby and Limestone County School Board member James Shannon.

The Band Boosters, Raby and Shannon, along with many others, were instrumental in completing the project that resulted in a paved and striped practice field for the band, located next to the band room at Ardmore High School.

Last month, Nelson honored both Raby and Shannon by awarding them with Plaques of Appreciation at a ceremony held at the school.

“We are thrilled to have this new practice area and our students will benefit greatly from its completion,” said Nelson. “Now it can rain two inches and it will be no problem. When it stops raining, we can get right back out and practice without having to worry about mud and wet grass.”

Nelson went on to praise both Raby and Shannon, as well as the Band Boosters, for their assistance in the project.

“Tommy Raby has been just wonderful,” said Nelson. “He has been part of our three-year plan to bring gravel in, build the base and then asphalt it. James Shannon has been right on top of this project, watching it like a hawk and making sure everything went according to plan.”

Nelson also expressed the band’s gratitude to Eddie Clines and the Band Boosters for their work in erecting a tower for use on the practice field.

“Through much hard work, dedication and devotion to our school, they were able to build that tower for only $200,” continued Nelson. “Now we have a top-notch practice facility, of which, the entire community can be proud.”