FROM STAFF REPORTS

As 2019 draws near, preparations around the state are under way for Alabama 200, the Official Commemoration of Alabama’s bicentennial. Alabama’s residents are engaging the upcoming state anniversary and identifying ways that celebrate the spirit of their communities. From oral history projects to community gardens, events and projects are coming together from the Shoals to the shores that are intended to be a source of pride and inspiration for citizens statewide.

The “Marching Southern Sounds” of Alabaster’s Thompson High School is putting the bicentennial to music this season and presenting a halftime show featuring pieces evoking the city of Birmingham.

The band’s 2018 production, “Iron Giant: A Celebration of Birmingham,” is designed around four, iconic images of the city that will be staged around the field. The first image showcases Sloss Furnace and the Black Sabbath tune “Iron Man,” followed by the Magic City Sign during which selections from the “Iron Man” soundtrack will be played. The ballad titled “Ecstasy of Gold” is from the film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” representing Birmingham’s famous Color Tunnel. Thompson’s halftime production closes with Vulcan imagery and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” Throughout the performance, the four Birmingham images combine to form the famous mural “It’s nice to have you in Birmingham.”

“We are excited to celebrate our city and state in this production,” said Jon Bubbett, Director of Bands at THS. “It is important to us as educators for our students to understand their local and state history. Also, we believe that this connection will help our students to perform with a deepened sense of pride.”

The “Marching Southern Sounds” premiered their halftime show on Friday, Aug. 24 in the season-opening game against James Clemens at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.

Alabama 200 invites communities to share details of their local celebrations by submitting to the Official Bicentennial Events Calendar or by sharing news with the state office. There are avenues for endorsement and support that make room for all Alabamians to participate and celebrate this pivotal moment in Alabama’s history. For more about Alabama 200, to submit your event, or to learn how to get involved, please visit Alabama200.org.