Fort Smith Southside Rebel Band
Fort Smith, Arkansas
The slogan we use for the Southside Band is a daunting one
to live up to. We believe that our actions and accomplishments, both past and
present, live up to that motto. Since 1963, Southside band students have earned
580 places in the all-state band (an average of 14 per year). Over 2000 places
have been earned in the Region II all-region band (an average of 45 per year).
Over the last 5 years students have earned 21
places in the all-state jazz band and 61 places in the all-region jazz
band. In 2005 and 2006, Southside had students selected to the John Philip
Sousa National Honor Band in New Orleans. In 2007, Southside had 3 students
selected to this prestigious band, which is more than any other school in the
United States. In 2006-07, Southside students earned 27 places in the all-state
band, 4 in the all-state jazz band, 67 in the all-region band, and 11 in the
all-region jazz band. In each case this was more than any other school in the
state or region. Southside Bands have earned superior ratings at band
competitions for the last 31 years and last year earned over 320 medals at solo
and ensemble contest. The 2007 Southside band seniors earned over $1,100,000 in
scholarships. Tradition is our foundation. We try to build on this incredible
tradition every day.
The band
program consists of over 200 students in several performing groups: the Rebel
Marching Band, the Symphonic Band, the Concert Band, and the Jazz Band. In
addition, numerous ensembles (percussion, brass, woodwind, etc.) will perform
throughout the year. Southside Band ensembles have performed over the last
several years for The United Way Kick-Off Breakfast, The Fort Smith Classroom
Teachers Association Golden Apple Banquet, Veteran’s Day ceremonies at the
National Cemetery, Veteran’s Day Ceremonies at numerous elementary schools,
Representatives of the U. S. Marshall’s Museum, the Shrove Tuesday Pancake
Supper to benefit Darby Junior High, the Fort Smith Chorale’s Spring Concert,
the Arkansas Tourism Bureau Convention, a concert at the Arkansas Bandmasters
Convention with the Dallas Brass, a clinic performing new music materials with
the Dallas Brass, exhibitions at the Dale Bumpers Marching Contest in
Charleston, the Fort Smith Public Library Open House, and the Fort Smith Pubic
Schools District wide Back to School Meeting.
The
Southside Band has made many remarkable performance trips. The SHS Band had
performance tours to Washington, D.C. in 1989 and 1996 with memorable
performances at the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Sweepstakes awards were
won at the Worlds Of Fun Band Festival in Kansas City and Six Flags
Over Mid-America Band Festival in St. Louis. The band traveled to New York City where they presented an
outdoor concert at the Statue of Liberty in 2000. The band has also participated in the famous Battle of The
Flowers Parade during the “Fiesta” in San Antonio in 1994, 1998, 2001, and
2004. In 1994 and 2004, the Southside Band was chosen as the Grand Champion
Band in the parade. The Southside Band performed in a parade at the Magic
Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in 2003. In April 2005, the Rebel Band performed at
the Navy Pier in Chicago. In June 2006, the Southside Band represented Arkansas
in the Pan Pacific Festival in Honolulu, Hawaii, and performed a patriotic
concert at Pearl Harbor. In 2007, the band participated in the Flambeau
Parade in San Antonio, Texas during the “Fiesta.” In April, 2008, the band
will again travel to Chicago to perform at the Navy Pier.
The
Southside Band Program is built on an emphasis of strong individual playing. It
is the goal of the Southside Band to develop high standards in both individual
and group playing. It is the desire of the band staff to help each student
develop these skills and knowledge to appreciate and enjoy music as a lifetime
avocation. We hope this discipline and dedication spills over into every aspect
of their lives. The success of the Southside Band Program is a direct result of
the excellent band programs at Chaffin and Ramsey. The support and assistance provided
by Jennifer Steele, Josh Ray, John Combs, Dan Woodward, and countless others is
invaluable.
