Ask anyone associated with Kosciusko High School Big Red Band about the band, and nearly all responses are initiated with the word “we.” In most cases, the “we” refers not only to current members of the band, but also to those who were and those who will be.
The band, led by Band Director Steven Culpepper, is nearing the end of its annual two-week camp, a sort of camaraderie-rich boot camp with a musical backdrop, purposed to solidify the foundation of this 84th edition.
Big Red's legacy took on a human form at the 2018 camp, in the presence of former Band Director Charles "Mickey" Grove. Grove observed and occasionally provided instruction, often in times when form needed to be re-established.
When pressed about the success of the band under his direction, Grove reluctantly provided a brief list of highlights, which included a very hurried mention of a national championship. Then Grove slowed his speech and re-established eye contact to insist that any story about Big Red must include a mention of the late W.G. Skipworth, who founded the band in 1935.
"It's pride," Culpepper said, when asked about the source of the band's strength. "We love to teach kids to play instruments and march. But to me, it's the pride that they have for themselves."
"We're driven," junior assistant drum major Allison Thomas said, who also the leads the clarinet section. "We have always been that group of people that wants to entertain that crowd at halftime, or wants to entertain them on a Saturday afternoon or night."
Thomas' "we have always been" was one of many examples of band members' awareness of its rich history.
However, it is not all drills, discipline, reverence and responsibility.
"This band is lit, man," said senior Joshua Stewart. "Like, we're the fun people. Big Red is where it's at."
The numbers suggest that Stewart is correct that Big Red is “where it's at. This 2018 ensemble has roughly 120 members, according to Culpepper. KHS enrollment is 600, according to the school website. That means that the band represents one-fifth of the entire student body.
The sense of respect that permeates the program is not solely directed inward.
"The community is really good to us," Culpepper said. "Whether it be businesses, or individuals in the community, we really appreciate that.
It may be providing water, or dropping in to say, 'Hey, if you need anything, just let us know.' That doesn't go unnoticed and we're very, very thankful for that."
When asked about goals for the upcoming season, the fourth-year director's immediate response is the same automatic answer offered by any member.
"The ultimate goal would be another state championship," he said. "But, for me, it's all about the kids and them feeling successful with what they put out, and for the community to feel proud of what we've put together."
This year's theme is "Memory Tree," according to Culpepper. He declined to provide much detail; he only said that it is a theme that will unfold and take on meaning as the season progresses. It is the product of a collaboration between Culpepper and assistant band directors Michael Campbell, Amber Sims and Courtney Wier, and a design team based in Nashville.
Big Red begins its competitive season on the first Saturday in October, with an event scheduled for each of the three Saturdays to follow.
Head drum major Ben Brunt was asked to compare the intensity of band competitions with sports competitions. He politely disagreed with the assertion that it is not a sport.
"Some people say it isn't," Brunt said, who also plays soccer and tennis. "It sure feels like one."
At the end of one of the afternoon sessions, the band received the final instructions of the day from Culpepper. Above, many years of trophies crowded the band room shelves. Culpepper walked in the band's midst and carried a coordinate-bearing laptop in one hand, while rhythmically planting a walking stick with the other. Behind and to the side, Mickey Grove cut a softly-spoken joke that evoked some swiftly-stifled snickers.
That is Big Red - big-time, serious fun.
On Thursday, July 19, the band hosts "Family Preview Night.” The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Kosciusko High School parking lot and is open to the public.
