The Jackson-Milton Middle/ High School band and flagline is full of dedicated and determined students of our school district. The Jackson-Milton band is definitely not one of the biggest, but they are a mighty bunch.

This year they have 4 seniors including Mackenzie Martin, playing flute, Willow Gettman, playing clarinet, Elena Jones, with the trumpet, and Caleb Monhan on the baritone.

Just like any sport band requires dedication and time, band director Kittle stated when asked about band camp, “Students worked diligently throughout the summer in various formats; a mini-camp was held for three days following the end of school for students to try the marching band music and audition for flagline. Following a great Fourth of July parade, students returned in the last week of July for full band camp and learned the entire marching drill and continued to learn the music. Students finalized the music during the August rehearsals.”

Alongside rehearsals and practice, the Jackson-Milton Band and Flagline perform at different events including pep assemblies, halftime shows, and the canfield fair with a fresh playlist called, ‘JM Mixtape.’

When asked about where Kittle inspiration came from he stated, “Rather than focus our music on a particular artist or group this year, we wanted to take an eclectic approach to provide the listener with a variety of genre. We entitled the show, JM Mixtape, to give cohesiveness to the different selections.”

Senior Mackenzie Martin stated, “So far band has taught me so much about many different things in a span of 8 years. The key is being, the size does not determine success, hard work does, and even the seemingly quiet voice can make a huge difference if given the chance. Take it from the only flute player in a 20 person band. We are small, but we try and we have fun. That is what makes us a Jackson-Milton band.”

Willow Gettmann, another 2019 Senior stated, “Band taught me a lot of things, not all pertaining to music. It taught me about teamwork, family, and pride. It’s been an overwhelming amount of fun, and I am truly going to miss it!”

As one can see our Jackson-Milton band is full of loyal students, who use their gifts of music to support the football team and help pump up the crowd.