All Aboard to Neyland: Betsy Band wows crowd with performance, news
Published 9:11 pm Friday, July 28, 2017
Star Photo/Curtis Carden The community received a sneak peek from what the defending Division II champion Betsy Band has to offer this year. Pictured, Director Perry Elliott (center) works with the band during a performance Friday night.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Attendees react to the news of the Betsy Band getting the chance to perform at Neyland Stadium this year.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Drum Major Jake Hensley motions the band through a performance.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Jared Erwin is the conductor for this year's season by serving as the band's singer.
An orange and black train is ready to rumble through Elizabethton.
The defending Division II state champion Betsy Band had the opportunity to give the community a glimpse into what this year during a special performance held in John Treadway Gymnasium at Elizabethton High School Friday night.
Band Director Perry Elliott opened the evening by announcing to the packed house that the Betsy Band will perform at Neyland Stadium September 23 during the University of Tennessee Volunteers football game against the University of Massachusetts.
Met with excitement from the crowd, Elliott added the students would perform alongside the UT Pride of the Southland Marching Band at halftime, participate in the Vol Walk pregame and have an opportunity to take the field for their performance.
Elliott said he talked with the UT band director last year, but the invitation was a welcomed surprise for the Betsy Band.
“Out of the blue, we got the invitation,” he said with a smile. “We’re definitely excited about the chance to perform at Neyland Stadium. (Betsy Band) does have a solid reputation across the state and this is a great opportunity for the students.”
The excitement was also met by band members, including senior Drum Major Jake Hensley.
“I found out about an hour ago,” Hensley said with a grin about the news. “It’s really humbling to be from a small town and have someone pick us to perform. We’re all really excited for it.”
Energy has continued to mount for the program since last year’s state championship run. The Betsy Band concluded their annual summer band camp this week in preparation for the upcoming season.
Sticking slightly to last year’s theme, the Betsy Band is trading in the road for railroad tracks.
“Last year our theme was about building a road back to Elizabethton,” Elliott said. “This year it is all about catching a train, but that train better be the right decision.”
While just a glimpse of their work, the band was treated with deafening applause during each short performance.
“I’ve always said that the support for the group is just phenomenal,” Elliott said. “It’s a hometown band, but the band loves the town just as much as town loves them. We’re really appreciative of all the support.”
Don’t expect a sophomore slump when it comes to the band’s aspiration of wanting to repeat as state champs, Hensley added.
“We’re definitely excited about this year,” he said. “We just need to keep the energy up. We have a great group of seniors, this year’s and last year’s, and I think we’ll have a great run.”
To get involved with the Betsy Band or to sponsor a student, email betsybandboosters@gmail.com or visit the Betsy Band Fans Facebook page online.
