RINGGOLD, Ga. – Tuba players don’t get a lot of high notes, but Monday afternoon surely was one for Ringgold High School band captain Evan Brock.
Brock, 17, was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl marching band, putting him among the top 125 marching musicians in the nation. Being selected means a trip to the bowl game, which pits the country’s best high school football players against each other on Jan. 8 in San Antonio. It also means a chance to practice and perform with some of the other top musicians in America.
Brock, who hopes to attend the University of Alabama and get a degree in music education, said music is a huge part of his life.
“When I hear music, I just get this feeling inside that’s just like, ‘Yeah!’ I want to stand up and get excited,” he said.
He wasn’t the only one standing up and excited Monday.
The crowd gave a standing ovation for Brock by the end of the ceremony. Brock posed for photos holding a plumed All-American Bowl marching hat and donning a baseball cap and jacket with the Army logo.
“Evan is one of the finest musicians we’ve ever had in this program, and he’s one of the finest in the nation,” said 25-year band director Robin Christian.
Christian said he doesn’t know where he will be on Jan. 8, but he now has plans.
“I’m going to be watching them,” he said. “I’m not sure if I’ll make the trip or not, but I’ll be glued to the television.”
At Ringgold High the tuba plays a leading role instead of blending into a supporting role as it does on most conductors’ scores.
Brock is pictured on the cover of the Ringgold football program shaking hands with football player Brandon Rittgers under the heading “Two legends. One field. A common goal.”
“He’s always been a great musician,” said senior trumpet player Emily Humkey. “I remember back in middle school we were like, ‘Wow!'”
Senior trumpet player Tirzah Carroll also had noticed her fellow musician’s prowess. She said Brock is clearly talented but doesn’t toot his own horn and remains humble.
“We were not surprised, but we’re excited for him,” she said of the award.