ASHLAND — The glow of stadium floodlights on Friday nights will soon be visible throughout north central Ohio.
High school football kicks off for area teams on Aug. 21, which also means a new season of halftime performances from district marching bands — a key piece to the magic of autumn Friday nights.
The Ashland High School marching band and Sweeties dance team have been preparing this summer ahead of their 103rd season. Folks will be able to get a sneak peak at what’s to come this season on Friday night.
Dependent on cooperative weather, AHS will put on its community preview performance Friday at 7 p.m. at Community Stadium, 1455 Hiner Ave.
Marty Kral, Ashland High School director of bands and music department chair, said the marching band plans to share three shows for those in attendance.
First on the schedule is a pregame show, including the AHS pep song, alma mater and new choreography to “Hang on Sloopy.”
Next up will be a dance show, including selections like “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie, “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon and “Dance to the Music” by Sly and the Family Stone.
Rounding out the preview performance will be a series of patriotic songs paying tribute to the United States Armed Forces and the 250th birthday of America — including “Summon the Heroes,” “America the Beautiful” and “Holding Out for a Hero,” as well as a salute to each branch of the military.
For those unable to attend Friday’s performance, this show will debut at halftime of Ashland’s second home game of the season on Sept. 11 — which also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
“Come for the entertainment and stay after for some socializing and snacks,” Kral said of Friday’s preview performance.
“This is of course only a small sampling of all the great things we have planned for the school year. We hope to see you at Community Stadium, 7 p.m. this Friday night.”
