New Jumbotron to Replace the Rebel Marching Band?

**All media below is the opinion of an individual student and therefore does not represent or speak to the values of Vestavia Hills High School and Vestavia Hills City Schools**

The Rebel Marching Band has been a staple to the Vestavia Football spirit for over 50 years. The band has perfected their stand tunes over the years in order to support the football team and lift the spirits of everyone in attendance.

The construction of the VHHS Jumbotron began in mid July of 2022. Members of the marching band were there for every step of the jumbotron's construction. Due to their long hours of band camp this summer and early morning rehearsals in August, band members watched anxiously as this new token of rebel spirit overtook their home. This new addition to the football field left many band students worrying that their supportive cheers would be overwhelmed by the advertisements and sounds playing on the New Jumbotron.

The band’s anxiety continued to grow as the first game of the season approached. Before the first game I spoke with members of the band who stated, “I’m worried that the jumbotron will outshine the band.” Another member expressed, “I think the band should be playing more, not watching as the jumbotron captures the audience's attention.” However, as the first football game with this new symbol of rebel identity came to an end, the worries of the band completely dissolved.

With the support of the Vestavia News Network, The band and the jumbotron are able to work hand in hand to raise the 1Rebel spirit. VNN has been working to help the band’s publicity and get them on the jumbotron. Additionally, The band directors expressed their concerns to those in charge of the jumbotron, and they were able to establish a supportive balance. Since the first game, I spoke to members of “Music Performers Club”, (all of which are members of the band), who told me that they love the new Jumbotron, and they are glad it is there to support the band. Although this new addition to the 1Rebel football experience had many worried for the future of the band, the jumbotron has helped to further unite the school and continues to show support for the Rebel Marching Band.