nears completion

By Julie Finley

The Natchez Democrat

If things go according to plans, the Ferriday High School band will move into its newly renovated space only one day before the biggest night of their fall season.

The school’s band hall construction is slated to be done in time for a Sept. 1 move-in day. The first football game is Sept. 2.

But contractor Jason Gauthier of Pineville’s Migues-Deloach Company said he’s hoping they can finish the work early.

Gauthier estimated Wednesday that the project was about 80 to 85 percent complete with some remaining work on the ceiling tiles, sound panel and painting.

The nearly $300,000 renovation includes a new porch, new bathrooms and space for dressing rooms, lockers and storage.

Band members have been practicing outside and in the cafeteria for the last two weeks of band camp, and Band Director Kendall Damon said he’ll play it by ear when school starts next week.

&uot;We’ll have to get around it,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m going to try to work something out. As the problems occur, I’ll get it right.&uot;

The wait is well worth it though, he said. The new facility offers more space and a modernized feel.

&uot;I think the whole town is excited about it,&uot; Damon said. &uot;It’s a new beginning for us.&uot;

Damon started as director last year. Before his arrival, the once very successful band had dropped in size.

Last year the band had 110 members, this year 150 are signed up. Growth is a goal for Damon.

&uot;It’s the attitude of the kids and how good we do on the field that will make more start to care,&uot; Damon said.

Damon is already teaching the students the rules of the band hall during band camp and said he is trying to establish standards that will carry over to the building.

Seventh-grader Katrelle Jefferson said he’s excited about the new facility and wanted to join the band.

&uot;It was interesting,&uot; he said. &uot;Marching with (the snare drum) is my favorite.&uot;

Junior Joe Lewis has spent five years in the band and said a new band hall was overdue. &uot;It was old,&uot; he said. &uot;This will be brand new.&uot;

The renovation was funded through school board money that comes from a 13-mill property tax.

School starts on Aug. 11.