GMC News

GMC Prep band salutes The Beatles The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Tue Jul 23, 2013, 06:03 PM EDT MILLEDGEVILLE — Georgia Military College Prep School marching band students rehearse choreography during band camp this week in preparation for this year’s football halftime show which pays tribute to the legendary English rock band — The Beatles. Rookies of the band got a head start last week on learning the routine before kicking off full band practice Monday. Nearly 60 band and flag corps students are under the direction of band director Maj. Charles Harbor, and drum majors Rose O’Donnell and Sara McTyre. “So far the band camp has been incredibly productive, hot and a lot of fun,” O’Donnell said after practice Tuesday afternoon. “We are very excited about the upcoming season and we’re looking forward to putting on a great show with lots of support.” This year’s show, called “Beatle Mania: The British Invasion,” features musical selections from The Beatles, including “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Lady Madonna,” “ Eleanor Rigby,” “Yesterday,” “Blackbird” and “The End.” The seven-minute show will feature props reflecting England. “We came up with The Beatles idea, but decided to add a creative twist to focus on the historical change in American culture,” O’Donnell said. Band members will continue perfecting their routine from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day this week until band camp concludes Friday. The first GMC marching band performance will be at a home game against Harlem High School Friday, Aug. 30. The first away game is scheduled Friday, Sept. 13 at Riverside Military Academy. Marching band students are planning to participate in the Sound of Silver Marching Band Competition in Pierce County Oct. 12. The community can support the GMC Prep band program by purchasing $10 band cards to receive discounts to various area businesses, or donating funds to the GMC Foundation. “The Bulldog Club helps supply us. They’ve been very supportive to the band program,” Harbor said. “The overall attitude of band students has been very good and everybody is working really hard.”