By HEATHER RUPPE
The Band of Blue has two new drum majors for the 2021-2022 season this fall.
Sierra Smart is a senior French horn player and Peyton Grant is a junior trumpet player. “Both students auditioned in May for the position and have been in training since early June,” said Colleton County High School Band of Blue Director Tom Finigan.
Both students also recently attended the University of South Carolina Drum Major Clinic, which was held in June. Students from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida attended the three-day event. At the clinic, band students were taught the basics of field conducting, said Finigan. They also attended several leadership meetings with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and other USC Drum
Majors, according to Finigan. Lautzenheiser has more than 40 years of experience in working with bands and music leaders from across the nation.
According to Finigan, the Band of Blue will soon debut their new half-time show this fall, performing it for the first time on Sept. 3 at Colleton County High School. The new shot is entitled “Sun, Moon and Stars.” Additionally, the Walterboro Band Classic will be held this fall on October 2nd at Cougar Stadium in Walterboro.
“If you would like to donate or volunteer to help the Band of Blue, please contact Band of Blue Booster President Randall Ballew at 843-599-6182,” said Finigan.
