Hometown Clinton - Fall 2017

our power to make them comfortable and confident in their
environment.”
He adds that just like a sports team, the band practices
as much as they can to improve their game. They even
sacrifice time during weekends and holiday breaks to
perfect their craft. The band practices every Monday night
during the summer, and members attend a camp two weeks
before classes start. During the school year, they rehearse
for hours at a time throughout the week.
“Those that choose to play in the band know what’s
at stake,” Welborn says. “We have to make sure we are
working hard.”
But they also focus on growing as a team, spending time
together even when they aren’t practicing. Welborn says it’s
also important that rehearsals feel unified and productive:
“We make sure to have clearly defined goals and focus on
achieving those goals. We are always looking forward to the
next thing. As long as we are constantly learning and having
fun, the program continues to grow and get stronger. It’s
just a matter of trying to push it to the next level.”
This is Welborn’s ninth year working with the Clinton
band. He spent six years as director of percussion before
becoming director of bands. He says he’s excited about this
next season because of the rapid increase of members. In
addition to the directors and staff that assist with rehearsals,
the Clinton band booster club raised money to purchase
more instruments and hire more adjuncts to help with
the growth.
Students can get introduced to the band program in
sixth grade through the Lovett Beginner Band and then
progress to the junior high level before auditioning for
the high school band. Welborn says that band benefits
students in their academic classes and also helps them to be
more punctual and willing to work with others. “They are
learning lessons they will take with them throughout the
rest of their lives,” he says.
“I love how much of a team we are and if someone is
struggling with something, we have to work together to
find a solution and get better,” says Jordan Dubra, who
plays the clarinet. “I enjoyed when we all marched together
in the Magic Kingdom Parade at Disney World. Not only
because it was with my friends, but because it was my first
time there and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other
way.”
Welborn adds that the Clinton community can help
support their nationally-ranked band program by coming
to competitions, aiding students through fundraisers, and
simply offering encouraging words.
“I am constantly learning from the students,” Welborn
says. “We are seeing them go out and get jobs in the
national music industry, expanding their own knowledge
base with the skills they learned in the CHS band program.
We try to provide them with what they need
to grow.” zx
26 • Aug/Sept/Oct 2017
Hometown Clinton • 27