By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Jason Deem, Joe Davis, and the Union City High School band program are welcoming a return to normalcy.
In the aftermath of missing many performance opportunities due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, the director of the Marching Golden Tornadoes, his assistant Davis and their troops are busy preparing for what they hope is a traditional band season.
“I am excited at the thought of having a ‘normal’ marching season,” Deem said during a recent break from the group’s annual two-week camp. “I know the students had many opportunities taken from them during COVID-19. As a director, I want to provide every available opportunity to my students to showcase all the hard work they do.
“The Golden Tornado Marching Band has a rich, successful tradition that spans over five decades, and I have always held true to that tradition. I want to see the band move forward. We have been in uncharted waters, but we’re hopeful for a sense of normalcy this year that gives us as directors the opportunities to watch the program be successful and maintain our tradition.”
The UC band will present a show this year entitled “The Pulse After Dark,” featuring music of Draft Punk, David Guetta, Gabriel Faure, and Lady Gaga.
Of the unit’s 90 members, 26 are seniors.
The Marching Golden Tornadoes are scheduled to participate in five competitions this year while also hosting their own Union City Invitational, Sept. 18.
Union City will compete in the Bands of America Regional at Austin Peay State University, Sept. 25; the Huntingdon Marching Invitational, Oct. 2; the Gibson County Marching Invitational, Oct. 16; the Paragould Invitational in Paragould, Ark., Oct. 23 and the Mid-South Marching Invitational at APSU, Oct. 30.
The group endured two weeks of oppressive heat as they put together the particulars of this year’s show. Deem, who is beginning his 17th year with the program, insisted the finished product would be worth that sacrifice.
“The kids have worked extremely hard over the past two weeks to perform a great production for our football crowd on Friday nights and competitions beginning in September,” he claimed. “Their perseverance in some hot temperatures has paid off, and we as directors are excited to perform for our community.
“Naturally, none of this would be possible without the support of (UC Schools Director) Mr. (Wes) Kennedy, (Assistant Director) Mr. (Michael Paul) Miller and the entire school board. We’re so blessed to have those people, along with our high school administrators, Mr. (Jacob) Cross and Mr. (John) Graham, who have graciously given us everything we need to continue our outstanding band tradition at Union City High School.”
The band will preview its show at the Aug. 13 football jamboree when the Tornado high school and middle school teams host Milan.