By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Of the 400 members that make up the University of Alabama’s marching band, 12 are Pelham High School graduates. Those 12 students are flying to Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 11 to perform during the National Championship game.

Savannah Cambron, a Pelham graduate, is a sophomore at the University of Alabama and performs with the band’s color guard.

“I am very excited because ever since I was a sophomore in high school I wanted to be a part of Alabama’s ‘Million Dollar Band’ color guard,” Cambron said. “Having this opportunity is something I have wanted since I was in high school.”

The students were all led by Pelham band director Justin Ward when they were in high school. Ward said he’s excited for what his former students are going to experience.

After speaking with many of them, Ward expressed what they all seemed to be feeling.

“I think it is excitement,” Ward said. “I think, first of all, they are always excited. I think they are excited to travel to somewhere they might not have been to before and to support the Crimson Tide.”

The best part for Ward, he said, is seeing all the opportunities his students are experiencing. Ward taught and played in the University of Alabama’s band and he was involved with the band when they played in the 2009 National Championship.

He remembered all the rewarding experiences he had at UA, and said he is happy to see his students doing the same.

Ward’s background at Alabama has also created a positive relationship between Pelham High School and the university. He said representative from Alabama often visit Pelham to listen to the bands.

“It’s very rewarding to see so many students go from our school, here at Pelham, to play at the University of Alabama,” Ward said.

It’s not just the Alabama marching band though. Pelham graduates play for schools all over the state, including Auburn University, UAB, Troy and more. Ward said playing at the collegiate level is what he prepares his students for.

“We want them to continue to perform in college, obviously, and we helped them prepare for auditions as they prepare for college,” Ward said. “We really feel like what we do here at our school prepares them for that. That’s why we have so many (at the University of Alabama).”

Ward said they help students prepare for both music and marching auditions. The goal is to not only get the students into the band, but also get them scholarships.

The National Championship game will showcase many Pelham band members, and Ward said there are likely representations from several schools in Shelby County, who are “just as proud of their students.”