Nation Ford Marching Band Students Selected to Perform at All-American Bowl

Some of the nation’s best football players and musicians are traveling to Texas next month to participate in the U.S. Army’s All-American Football game.

Three of those fortunate musicians selected are from the Nation Ford High School Marching Band. Jake Mann, John Richardson and Ian Pilley received their official welcome to the ensemble by U.S. Army Major Walker.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The three young men are all seniors and were selected based on musicianship, marching achievement, character and leadership.  Mann plays the clarinet and made sure to thank his mom for tolerating his clamor for the past 6 years.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Ian Pilley auditioned for the ensemble playing the tenor saxophone. Though that is not his primary instrument of choice, he was still overjoyed with the opportunity to play in such an elite band with some of the best high school musicians in the country. Pilley acknowledged his parents, friends and band members for their continuous support.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tuba player John Richardson also thanked his supporters.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The three students were selected among 125 of the nation’s best musicians. This honor is not only for the students, but for the entire marching band, as well. Nation Ford has the highest number of students in the state to be selected to perform at the All-American Pro Bowl.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Jake, Ian and John will head to San Antonio, Texas in early January to practice with other student musicians from across the nation. All expenses for the week will be covered by the U.S. Army. Nation Ford High School President Beverly Bowman noted the marching band students for their achievement in both music and academics.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

All three of the young men plan to pursue music upon graduation from high school. A live stream of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be available to watch on January 5^th on www.allamericangames.tv