By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The Chilton County High School Alumni Band will perform during the Oct. 7 halftime show in the CCHS stadium.

Students and alumni will march side by side during the band’s “Home of the Brave” show. According to Julie Harrison, the Alumni Band leader, the show features songs such as “Main Street America” as well as fan favorites like “Eye of the Tiger” and “Hoorah.”

Some in the alumni band have played for many years; some do not return to play. One alumnus is making his first appearance in the alumni band this year.

Ian Velasquez, a 2012 graduate of CCHS and current member of the band at Auburn University, will play tuba with the rest of the alumni this year. He has played tuba for almost 11 years now between middle school, high school, and college.

“It’s my first year going back just because I haven’t had a chance,” said Velasquez.

He said he has wanted to go every year, but always had a game to play at Auburn. This year, he is determined to be with the alumni band.

“[I’m going] just to be able to go back to the high school where I learned how to play, and see all the people I was in band with,” said Velasquez.

He reflected on how playing in the band has been instrumental to his life, allowing him to travel and play at college. He shared advice for students currently in high school band:

“Stick with it. Keep playing your instrument,” said Velasquez. “Being able to play an instrument can take you places and brings you so many opportunities in the future.”