The planets have aligned and this year may be Ringgold High School Marching Band’s finest year yet.

The 250-piece Marching Tigers will be performing selections from English composer Gustav Holst’s 1916 “Planets Suite,” including “Mars,” Venus,” “Mercury,” and “Jupiter.”

“It’s going to be great,” RHS band director, Robin Christian said. “We have a really great group of kids and it will definitely be a good show.”

This year’s band camp ran from July 18-29. During that time, students and instructors perfected an incredibly complex show in sweltering temperatures.

And according to instructors, RHS has developed an exciting performance, despite rain, heat and humidity.

“It’s very complex,” said Christian.

Christian, a graduate of Ringgold High School and Jacksonville State University, is beginning his 20th year at Ringgold. As director, he has consistently led his bands to victory, repeatedly scoring superior ratings in competitions across the region.

Christian hopes this year’s musical selections will create another winning performance.

Last year, the Tigers placed first overall in Rockmart’s Yellow Jacket Classic and Trion’s Mt. Vernon-Reigel Mills Invitational, scoring top-ratings in the open competition class (for large bands).

In January of this year, RHS was named the “Dale Shaffner Band of the Year” at the Prebul Kia/Diamond Tower Super Awards Saturday on Stump on Sports Late Night.

The group will carry “Music of the Spheres” to two contests in late October.

“It’s a tough show and it’s been real hot, but we’re getting it,” added one student.

Assistant RHS band director Tracy Wright is proud of the group’s accomplishments.

“They’ve really done great,” he said. Wright credits their hard work and dedication and he is hopeful for the future.

The graduate of Ringgold High School and Jacksonville State University also directs the award-winning Ringgold Middle School Band, as well.

This year, the RHS band is led by drum majors Christina Guinn, Matt Tudor and Josh Harrell. Band Captain is Olivia Crawford; First Lieutenant is Justin Hullender; and Second Lieutenant is Taylor Richmond.

Master Sergeants are Chaeli Britton, Morgan Nowland, Shelly Steed and Kaley Yarbrough.

Color Guard Captains are Christy Pack, Marianne Parker, Rachel Rogers, and Tiffany Stephens.

There are 35 seniors in the band.

In addition to competitions and sports events, listen for the RHS band in parades throughout town this year.

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