Many people from our community turned up on Saturday at the WCHS for the 39th Annual Pork 'n Bands. This event showcased the talent and hard work of the Winter and Color Guard and Pioneerettes as well as the Warren County Middle and High School bands. 

For students and faculty alike, Pork 'n Bands is an exciting, yet bittersweet, event. With three senior dancers graduating, Pioneerette coach Penny Shockley emotionally hugged all the girls after their last performance.

“Pork 'n Bands is a special event that makes me smile and tear up because it’s the end of the year, but it’s also the beginning for new members of our team,” said Shockley.

Before the band performances, lunch was served in the cafeteria. WCHS senior Lee Sanders sat at a table eating with her band friends before performing with them for the last time. Sanders is one of eight senior band members graduating this year.

“Being in band has meant having a support system and family that I can always rely on,” said Sanders. “All my best high school memories have been with the band and I love our program and everyone in it.”

Once the music kick started, everyone gathered in the auditorium to listen to a variety of impressive music including the “Pink Panther” theme song, “Voodoo” and “At the Edge of Darkness.” Family members and friends cheered loudly from their seats to show their support.

With all the door prizes, a silent auction and games set up in the lobby, WCMS music director Duane Farnham said the total proceeds from the fundraiser hasn’t been tallied yet. However, the money collected will go to paying for regular expenses incurred by the band programs. 

Both Farnham and WCMS band director Aleesha Hillis were pleased with the overall performances.

“This was my first year at the middle school and I really pushed my students,” said Hillis. “They definitely rose to my expectations on Saturday.”