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Among Carson's wi'lh list for the ECCC band program is more ~pace "Although we have great facihties," Carson said. "We have total!) outgrown our space

East Cemral Community College 10 Decatur fields one of tts largest mJrching band-. to date with 155 members in the 2009 Wnll o· Sound and they'll be "making thelf way to r\cw Orleans" during thts yLw's :;hnw. Tom Carson, Y.ho is serving his 28th year as dir~·ctor of bands

a flamboyant vocahst leading the entire band m song and ends w1th the entire Wall 0' Sound linislung up the loud and exciung parade! We plan to have the crowd on 1ts feet cclebratmg \1ardl Ora~. Wall 0' Sound style! \!though he's put together a show full of fun and eX\.Itement, u·s

~how~ during all borne football games, the Wall o· Sound Will also be featured as an exhibi– tion band at the State Band Marchmg Festival in Mcndian on Aug. I0 and at the Chw1ky River ~farching Festival in Union on Aug.l7. The drum line will take a

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Carson

tour of area h1gh schools in late October The spnng semester will featw·e the concert band. percussiOn ensemble and Jal7 band.The Colleg1ans, ECCC's rock-n-roll band. w11l take to the stage during both the fall and '>pring semesters and Carson said the highlight of the year IS the annual ~urnmcr Colleg1an pcrfonn– ance tour."This is always a very big recruiting tool for us, as many students dec1ded to attend ECCC and audition for The Collegians. hoping to be able to go on tour in the summer. This May we will be featured entertainer-; aboard a Carnival Cruise ship,"he said.Wtth such a diverse band program. one would think there was nothing more to offer. Except, the blues, of course. "Something new, or should I say a revival, I am planning this year, is to bring back a group 1 had in the early 90s called the 'Round M1<.1nite Blues Band," said Carson. "'This group will ba\ically be a branch ofThe Collegians. and we will play your basic, fun blues material in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lonnie Mack, BB King and so forth. We plan to play home ba~ketball games and anywhere we are asked to play!"

at Ea.st Central, C:\plams the idea behind the show. "I am ,llways coming up with some zany tdeas that wtll be entertainmg. but of course. mustcally challcngmg and great sounding. Since we have never done a Mardi Gras-type show, I dL'Cided to r·ut together some music and ideas with the prcllltSe that the Wall o· Sound is headed to New Orleans and Mardi Gras." During tht first few halftime shows. the Wall 0' Sound Band has been slowly making their way to New Orleans via train. steamboat and other means. According to Carson, they will finally make theu way to the "B1g Easy'' on Homecoming day. which is Saturday, October 3. "Our closer begins with a cute little 'second ;ne· band coming on the field, then expands to

on-going needs for large instrumental and equipment purchases a~ the band grows. I ccr– tamly appreciate any contnbuuons former band members or any fan of the band can make through our 'Friends of The Wall 0 Sound' foundation fund." For more mfonnation or to make a contribu– tion to the "Friends of the Wall 0' Sound." con– tact Stacey Holhngsworth Ill the office of Foundation and Alumni Relations at 601-635- 6327. There are many rea'\ons for students to choose East Central Commumty College as the next step in their education and the Wall 0' Sound is among the top of the list. "When it is time to make a decision where to attend college and also to use your musical talents to help pay for your education, ECCC is the only logical choice!" Can.on said. ''Not only will you have the best faculty to instruct you, no matter what your major will be, but you will be in the most exciting, rewarding and diverse college band program anywhere! Many of our members love the band so much, they stay for several years!" Carson who is the See ECCC, page 13

the sound that matters mo:.t to Carson. "No matter what we do. the music always comes first and foremost." Carson saJd. • r bnng that home to my band members daily. Entertamment is great, but we are mus1cians first and our fans expect to hear a great sound– ing, poiJshed band." And to get that polished sound. members start practicing long before that first k.ick– off."We come in the week before school starts and rehear~ an entire week, from sun up to sun down and beyond'" Carson said. "Band camp is a very important time, as we can concentrate on 'just us.· Once classes start, our rehearsals arc from 3:30 to 5 p.m. each day. Some of the smaller groups. such as the drum line, Centralettes and color guard, have extra section rehearsals at other times."ln addition to