We asked for the best high school band in Middle Georgia. Here’s the Macon band you picked

We asked which Middle Georgia high school marching band is the best in our online poll, and you didn’t hesitate to choose a walking ensemble.

Central High School’s Sugarbear Marching Band in Macon received the most votes in a week-long online poll for the best band among 12 high schools in Bibb, Houston and Peach counties, securing some bragging rights.

Sugarbear Band Director Kameron Agee said he wasn’t surprised at the results, given the blue, orange and white’s historic reputation in Macon, where many of its alumni still reside.

“The community loves us right now,” said Agee, who took over as the band’s instructor in August 2021. “We’re going to always give you a show no matter where we perform. Everyone knows what they’re getting when they see us.”

The band program has about 150 students, Agee said.

Senior Ca’liyah Moss said she joined the band her freshman year to experience something new, and she does not regret her decision. For this season, Moss said she’s excited to show others what the band can do.

“Our band has changed over the course of four years,” the drum major said. “Now, we’re more locked in together, and we know when the show has to go on. We grew together as a band.”

The band’s current flair differs from the original Sugarbear Band style under the late Bob Barnette , but Agee said the band’s evolution remains an all-time favorite.

So what can locals look forward to this school year from the winning ensemble? Expect a season of thrills, which will highlight more show-style performances and an improved sound quality from the student musicians, Agee said.

Supporters can also turn their eyes and ears to a diverse playlist from the Sugarbear Band that will serve different cultural backgrounds, he added. This includes 1990s and early 2000s rock-n-roll, and more.

“For this year, the biggest thing is we are going to get down,” Agee said. “They can expect high energy and a lot of choreography to go along with our playing.”

That means more original stunts during field shows from the Central High School Sugarette dancers, said Christopher Carswell Jr., the band’s auxiliary coordinator and dancing coach.

Carswell said the band’s strong work ethic always pays off and makes the band unique, particularly when it comes to showcasing “the glam” that everyone looks forward to.

“I’m a perfectionist,” Carswell said. “The girls will tell you about how hard I am on them about getting as close to perfect as possible (and) making sure that we don’t look like any other high school in this area.”

Band practice can be intense since the band is under pressure to push through full-body conditioning exercises, Carswell added. But it helps maintain the well-known image and improve unity.

Moss also emphasized the band’s discipline, citing it as a key to its success and overall growth.

“It takes a lot to be here every day and constantly learn new songs and constantly work out in the hot sun,” she said. “Everyone’s not doing that. You have to be dedicated to be here, and you have to want to do it.”

Moss said her bandmates showing up every day proves they know the band is bigger than themselves. But she also said it’s important to remain humble.

Agee said he wants the students to grow artistically and gain opportunities from their time being in the band, but at the end of the day, it’s about having fun.

“We do what we do because we love it, and it makes us feel better and teaches us lessons,” Agee said. “But we really do it because it’s a service to our community and anyone else who watches us perform.”

Visual journalist Katie Tucker contributed to this story.