By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–After weeks of practice and hours of sweating in the brutal heat that is known as summertime in Alabama, the Helena High School Marching Band is just days away from showcasing its first public performance of the school year.

HHS students in grades 9-12 make up the roughly 180 members of the marching band, which Helena Band Director Jeff Burnside said is an increase of 10 members from last year.

“This group is unique for the fact that they work together as a team,” said Burnside. “That has been evident starting back in the beginning of summer by their ability and desire to work together so well, so early. I think it’s a dynamic group that has gelled together fast.”

Burnside is in his 30^th year as a band director and 2016 will be his third year as the director for Helena after moving over from Pelham High School.

As far as what the HHS marching band has been working on this summer, Burnside said he thinks, “It will be a fun show the crowd will enjoy” for halftime entertainment this fall.

The theme for the halftime show this year is “dance the night away” and all of the music in the show will be centered on the word “dance.”

The songs featured in this year’s halftime show are “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga, “Dance the Night Away” by Van Halen, “Last Dance” by Donna Summer, “Dancing in the Street” and the theme song from Footloose.

The first time the HHS marching band will perform will be at the first home football game of the season on Sept. 9 against Pelham.

However, before the first home game, parents and those interested will have an opportunity to see the band perform in a more relaxed environment.

On Monday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. the HHS marching band will perform the entire 2016 halftime show including all props and more at Husky Stadium where anyone is welcome to attend.

“It’s fun and more of a relaxed environment,” said Burnside. “Kids who have graduated will come back to see the show, parents who normally work during games can come enjoy the show as well as grandparents or anyone else.”

For more information on the HHS band, visit Helenahighband.com.