BRIDGEPORT – The Bulldogs are representing the Ohio Valley with pride, sending 11 Bridgeport Exempted Village School District high school students to perform in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Marching Band during the Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game against West Virginia Saturday July 18 at Wheeling University.
They will arrive July 14 to begin rehearsals and drill, then perform during the pre-game pep rally Friday, July 17, ahead of the big game Saturday.
Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher is proud of his students and commends band director Kyle Turley.
“It’s great for Mr. Turley. To have 11 of his band members going to this honor band is obviously a testament to a great program he has in place for these kids,” he said. “Especially for a smaller school, to have 11 participating is a really great honor.”
Fisher knows the work this required from the students. He has band experience from high school and college and has been a past participant in the OVAC Marching Band. He said the students will have an experience to remember as they meet other musicians from across the Ohio Valley.
Turley said this was an increase from last year, when about eight of his players were selected for the OVAC game.
“This being my second year here, this is the most that I’ve seen go to this event,” he said. He added as a student he had participated in OVAC for three years. “It’s a fun time.”
This year, four of his players will be in the drum line, with the others playing wind instruments. There is a good mix of first timers and past OVAC performers.
“There’s quite a few new students who are getting to go for this opportunity, so it’s exciting for them to get to experience it. As I’ve been in the group, I still have friends I talk to, to this day that I met of OVAC band.”
Junior Arabella Ross played at OVAC last year and will be on the drum line this year. She anticipates another trip and is filling the first timers in on what to expect.
“Last year was really fun. I remember getting up at sunrise and not going back to the dorms until almost midnight, and every single day felt like a challenge. I felt like I was pushing myself and learning something new, and I made so many good friends. I’m just so excited to go back and push myself again and have such a fun time.”
She expects the routine will feature classic rock.
“I’m really excited for our selection this year,” she said. It’s a fun selection and I just hope the food is as good as it was last year.”
She looks forward to her time as a senior and will definitely be trying for three years in a row at OVAC.
Senior Kyra Whitmore plays the trombone and has been part of the OVAC band during prior years.
“It’s pretty fun. It’s where you get to meet people from other schools and all that, and you get to play some cool music.”
This will be junior Adalie Regoli’s first time at OVAC. She is also a drummer. She recalled her reaction when Arabella saw the list and texted her that she made the cut.
“I was really excited. I was really nervous coming up to finding out,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to learning the new drill and meeting new people. I know a few different people from couple different schools that have been or are going this year that I should see. I’m kind of nervous that the music is going to be a little harder than what I’m used to, but I think I can handle it.”
Arabella said up-and-coming student musicians can reach OVAC and beyond, if they put in the work.
“It is very physically challenging. You are going to have to be devoted. You cannot just go into it expecting that you can learn everything within the week. You’re going to have to push yourself, and that’s OK because that’s part of the fun.”
Adalie agreed.
“I really recommend practicing your rudiments. Realistically just believe in yourself. Do what you know how to do. Push yourself to strive to be better and just go with it. Whatever happens, happens. The worst thing that happens is someone could tell you: ‘No.’
“Even if things may be challenging, I feel that you should always believe in yourself and trust your gut and go for what you want. If you really want it, just practice and try and you should get there.”
Kyra said the effort is worth it.
“It’s pretty fun once you get your mind into it, and I’ve heard some people say it can be challenging, but I like to think that it’s pretty fun when you live in the moment and you push through those challenges.”
They credit Bridgeport Schools’ music program and Turley’s high standards. Arabella said the Bulldogs encourage their musicians.
“It’s a pretty good program. I’d say it’s a very fun program. I always have such a great time with everyone, and it makes me happy to be playing with this band. It’s a good experience.”
Adalie said they have bought in to the culture of excellence.
“It’s a pretty amazing program,” she said. “It’s up and coming and it’s always growing and we’re always trying to find a way to make each other feel more welcome and appreciated, and always coming up with new plans to try new things.”
Kyra praised Turley’s leadership.
“He is doing pretty great.”
Bridgeport Schools will have a strong presence playing, cheering and marching for Ohio. Senior Jaki Threet will play on the football team, and cheerleader Ariel Bennett-Rush earned a spot with top area seniors on the cheerleading squad. Bridgeport High School’s cheerleading coach Kaylynn Yates will direct the cheers.
