CONWAY, Ark. — The countdown for homecoming in Conway is on, and the Wampus Cat band is ready for Friday night! Band director Nathan Cunningham said his kids always love the chance to play in front of their hometown.
“We feel like we control the atmosphere,” he added.
For seniors like Reese Taylor, it's another chance to do what she loves.
“Percussion really brings the spirits to the games,” she said.
The only thing she hits harder than the drums is the books. She’s one of five national merit semifinalists at Conway.
“I want to major in something science. I don’t know what it is yet, I’m thinking of going pre-med so I might major in biology.
Reese has more talents than a Wampus Cat has legs.
“I enjoy playing violin, I enjoy playing percussion, I enjoy playing guitar as well, and I like to read,” she said.
Pretty remarkable to fathom who in the world has time for all those instruments or the resources to afford them.
Not every band student will be a professional musician, however a recent fundraising opportunity gives band kids an unbelievable opportunity.
“It’s a free tutoring program and we raised $47,000 from the community in two weeks. Any kid in grades 8-12 in band can take a free lesson on Mondays after school," Cunningham explained.
The district has already given 280 lessons in just four weeks.
“We couldn’t do that without community. We couldn’t do that without all the support that we receive and that’s the difference in Conway," he added.
Passing the torch from class to class, one note at a time.
“Seeing the older kids come to visit us and I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to be one of them and so. I’m hoping I’m encouraging younger kids to get involved in the community when they’re older too," Cunningham said.