From The Publisher

Drama has always been a big part of my life.

I am mostly speaking of the good and creative kind of drama: live theater and live music.

As a student in high school, I was involved in the marching band, jazz choir and theater. My biggest claim to fame was landing a lead role in a student-directed, one-act play.

It is such a rush to perform in front of a group of people and to hear laughter and applause for a job well done.

It is very exciting to live in a community such as Madison that nurtures that same experience in our young people.

It is great to read about the accomplishments that James Clemens High School’s and Bob Jones High School’s drama programs had at the Walter J. Trumbauer Drama Festival.

This competition hosts drama troupes from across the state of Alabama.

James Clemens High School claimed “Best Technical Performance” and Bob Jones High School advanced to the Southeastern Theatre Conference competition with “The Standard Deviation.”

I’m confident all students, faculty, teachers and parents involved are beaming with pride. It takes tremendous courage for young students to creatively express themselves in front of hundreds of spectators.

In addition, Bob Jones High School and James Clemens High School offer award-winning marching band programs.

The James Clemens Band earned their recognition in their first marching competition in 2014. The Jets’ program will see more success in the coming years.

All of the music and art programs offered at each school build character and leadership in our students. These programs are vital to building strong futures for our kids and our community.

We invite you to submit photos from these performances during the school year.

It will be our pleasure to publish those photos.

Simply email them to news@madisoncountyrecord.com or mail them to P.O. Box 859 Madison, AL 35758.