Band continues into college for RBHS drum major

By Brandi Miller / For the FCT

Red Bay High School Senior Ethan Ray has been doing the same thing every fall for the past eight years. In high school, Friday night means football, cheerleaders – and the marching band. Ray, a longtime leader and vital member of the RBHS band, will not be on this field for Friday nights this fall but will instead be beginning the next chapter of his life.

Ray was awarded a band scholarship to play for the Itawamba Community College marching band.

“I received my scholarship based on merit,” said Ray. “All the things I have participated in – like honor band and clinics – was what the merit was based on.”

Ray has been in the RBHS marching band for eight years. He played saxophone for seven years and served as band captain for six. He was also drum major his senior year, leading the RBHS marching band to thrilling halftime performances and many other performances at various events.

“Ethan Ray has been a major asset to our Red Bay Band program,” said RBHS band director Jonathan Hill. “His leadership and dedication have been greatly appreciated and inspiring. His willing attitude and hard work have not ceased to be amazing. Ethan will be missed, but we shall wish him well on all his future endeavors!”

Ray will begin his career as a member of the ICC marching Indians as early as this summer. He will be participating in band camp in August to prepare for the coming year.

While Ray said he is excited about this new adventure, there are things about the high school band he is going to miss.

“I will miss the small, close-knit family setting we have,” said Ray.  “In our mantra ‘family’ is our first word, and it has become a big part of the RBHS band.”

Ray said being in the band has been a highlight of his high school career, and he has this advice for any underclassmen thinking of joining: “Don’t give up. Just keep going; no matter what people say or what you say to yourself, you can do it.”

Being in the band, at any level, can present challenges. Ray said the hardest part of being in a marching band is learning time management skills. Additionally, learning how to cope with random practices while also maintaining school and personal life can be tricky.

Ray said he knows moving on to the next level of marching band will present new, even more intense challenges, but he is eager to meet these challenges head on.

“I am looking forward to playing with a much larger band, 240 members,” said Ray.  “I am also looking forward to playing with a band on a collegiate skill level.”

Ray thanked Erin Gilbert “for all she taught me and the support,” as well as his parents and Hill.

Ray is the son of Donald and Melissa Ray. He plans to major in music education at ICC.