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The Maroon Typhoon Marching Band is ready to give a sneak preview of their modern “funky” show, “Dance Floor of the Future.” JCJC’s new director of bands, Dr. Ben Burge comes to Jones with 16 years of experience which includes directing at Belhaven University and Northwest Rankin High School. He is leading the nearly 170 member band, featuring musicians from 24 of Mississippi’s counties and two students from Alabama.
“This year’s show will feature a new performing style with musical selections from the Grammy Award winning electronic music artists, Daft Punk. The show will take the listener on a journey into a futuristic dance club, using electronic sound effects arranged with dynamic percussion and wind writing to bring the future club to life. The Touch of Gold dance team and color guard are featured throughout the show and will bring our story to life with their unique choreography and costuming,” said Dr. Burge.
JCJC students said they are excited about the new style of show featuring the French electronic music duo consisting of producers Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk.
Sophomore Benjamin Husbands of Pearl explained, “The show incorporates electronics, voice-overs and exciting music. So far my favorite part of the show is the music. The musical arrangement is fantastic! To me, the most spectacular part of the show is a solo I have during the Daft Punk medley song, ‘Get Lucky.’ I’m very thankful for all the opportunities that I have been given because of the band.”
Purvis sophomore, Catilyn Oliphant added, “This show is very different from previous shows. At the beginning of the show there is a techno feature that only the Front Ensemble percussionists perform. I think the audience will really enjoy it!”
Feature twirler from D’Iberville, Sabrina Sagers agrees with Husbands and Oliphant. “The show is completely unique of every marching show I have ever seen. It incorporates a very large variety of music. Although I haven’t finished choreographing my routine, I know it will complement the spectacular performance of the band and will have a fiery surprise!”
The Touch of Gold dance team will also have the spotlight on their contributions to the techno show. Sophomore co-captain, Karly Jones of Ellisville, who has a dance solo explained, “We’re in a small circle in the opening song performing a contemporary dance routine instead of our usual dance team style with kicks, leaps, turns and sharp movements. I like the fact the public will get to see a different dance form and see our ability to perform different forms of dance. I believe we have a great show this year that will get everyone’s attention.”
Some of the featured songs include, “Tron,” and Pentatonix’s Daft Punk medley of songs, “Technologic,” “Get Lucky,” “One More Time,” and “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” The band will also present a pre-game performance featuring the fight song and National Anthem.
“The opener for the Maroon Typhoon this year is a real jaw dropper and it promises to set the stage for an amazing performance,” said Lucky, a West Lauderdale High School graduate and sophomore assistant drum major this year at JCJC.
Joining Lucky in the field directing job, are three freshmen drum majors: Katelynn McGowen of Ellisville and assistant drum majors, JCJC freshmen and Northeast Jones High School graduate, KJ Andrews, freshmen and South Jones High School graduate, Jorge Castillo. JCJC assistant band directors, Lindsey Keay and Lucas Brust, with visual staff members, Lora Davis and Juna Broome and additional staff members, Anthony Luker (percussion), Dr. Patrick Richards (brass), and Tracy Bedgood (low brass) have joined Dr. Burge in presenting a modern half-time show for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
The Maroon Typhoon Band Exhibition will be moved to the A.B. Howard gym if there is inclement weather. For more information about the Maroon Typhoon, contact the JCJC Fine Arts Office at: 601-477-4094.
Members of the JCJC Maroon Typhoon marching band from Simpson County are pictured left to right: Emily Johnson, Magee High School- Flute; Taylor Gates, Magee High School- Clarinet; Emily Wallace, Magee High School- Trumpet (and horn); Christopher Chatman, Magee High School- Manager; Dre’Nique Camper, Mendenhall High School- Guard; Alesia Hubbard, Mendenhall High School-Guard.
