Oxford Charger Marching Band Heads to State

Courtesy of Oxford High School

Photo by Tiffany Gray.

The Oxford High School Charger Band, under the direction of Mel Morse, earned Second Place in the 6A division of the Itawamba Community College Tomohawk Marching Band Championship on Oct. 20.

The Color Guard and Percussion sections earned First Place in their sub-divisions.

Earlier this year, the OHS Charger Band also earned a Superior Rating of 1 at the MHSAA Region 1 State Marching Evaluation qualifying them to compete in the State Championships Nov. 3 at Germantown High School in Madison. The event is open to the public.

“The planning process begins in December and is an 8-month process to coordinate music, drill, props, costumes, and visual arts,” said band director, Mel Morse. “The students have worked very hard during the 200 plus hours of rehearsal this season and are seeing and enjoying the fruits of their labor.”

The four-movement show has a Middle Eastern feel to it, in the context of music, dance, drill choice and props. Congas, timables, tambourines and other “sell the image” and lure those in the stands further and further into the Arabian feel.

A few of the props include a backdrop desert scene that complements the faces of the members of the color guard, painted to embody a scaly look. When the show ends, players wrap around five large, 6 ft. snake baskets in a trance-like state. 

The full marching competition routine will be performed during halftime at the last home game against Tupelo High on Friday, Nov. 2.