‘Valley Spirit’ Hawks take flight

HVA marching band prepares for ‘home-themed’ season

  • Hardin Valley Academy’s Spirit of the Valley Marching Band drum majors for 2021 are Nirvikta Osti and Channing Clarke. The two had their own training during HVA Band Camp at the school Thursday, July 22. - Photo submitted

  • hat same day, Spirit of the Valley member Elijah Brown, left, got some instruction from the band’s staff member, Dylan Smith. The camp began Tuesday, July 13, and concludes Friday, July 30. - Photo submitted

Hardin Valley Academy’s Spirit of the Valley Marching Band is bringing its performance “home,” which always starts with band camp.

This year’s show, titled “These Four Walls” according to HVA band director Alex Rector, “is based on the theme and idea of home and features music by local legend Dolly Parton and others,” he said.

As for possible issues with COVID-19, “At this point it looks as if our travel and performances will not be affected — but we will be flexible as needed,” Rector added.

Led by drum majors Nirvikta Osti and Channing Clarke among the Spirit of the Valley’s 135 members, “Things are off to an excellent start so far,” the director said about the camp, which began Tuesday, July 13, and concludes Friday, July 30.

“The students are working extremely hard and are excited about the program we are working to create.  

“Our student leaders and band parents are extremely involved and helping to set the program up for success this year,” Rector added. “Our end goal for this season will be competing at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in November in Indianapolis.  

“We will be competing locally at Karns and Heritage, as well as traveling to Bands of America Regionals in Jacksonville, Alabama, and Johnson City.”