Cameron Dragons: CA House Band of the Week

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. ( WTRF ) – The start of a halftime show that will get the fans in the stands up off their feet is an iconic piano keynote that can summon an entire generation of emo/punk rock band lovers.

“Nothing says marching band and punk rock, like Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance. So that’s our opener. Then, we slow it down to play Fall for You by Secondhand Serenade. And then we end with a classic Blink 182 song, All the Small Things.”

Christian Oliver | Band Director, Cameron High School

This year’s theme for the Cameron Marching Dragons is “Mom, It’s Not a Phase.”

Cameron’s Band Director, Christian Oliver, says the inspiration for this show was sparked last school year as he and his students were listening to some of the songs.

“I was like, man, this would be kind of fun to do next year. And we started brainstorming and snowballing [ideas] back and forth. Next thing you know, I just started writing it and I was like ‘Wow, we have a show here.’ And the kids loved it, so we’re going with it.”

Christian Oliver | Band Director, Cameron High School

Mr. Oliver shares his favorite part of the halftime show.

“I would say my favorite song is Welcome to the Black Parade. But my favorite part is honestly, in all the small things, because we kind of do a little Easter egg on our formations on the field. We actually write out 1-8-2 for Blink 182. I don’t think a lot of people get that, but it’s kind of like our own little inside joke.”

Christian Oliver | Band Director, Cameron High School

Some might be shocked to know that 70% of Cameron’s Marching Band are middle school students, with 28 band members in total.

“When we go to competitions and its full out high schoolers, I’ve got I’ve got sixth graders going up against high schoolers, you know, and they are carrying their own weight. And it’s impressive.”

Christian Oliver | Band Director, Cameron High School

Eighth grade student and Trumpet player, Allyson Emery, has been a marching band member since fifth grade.

Allyson says she loves the music in this year’s halftime show, and it’s very easy once you get the hang of it.

“My favorite part of the show, the whole song of Fall for You, the second song. I absolutely love it. I like the dancing; I like the playing.”

Allyson Emery | 8 ^th grade student & Trumpet Player

9 ^th grade student and snare drum player, Dakota Suarez, says marching band is a major part of her life that has helped her mental health and brought her great friendships.

“I’ve made a lot of friends and grown closer to friends I’ve had before.”

Dakota Suarez | 9 ^th grade student & Snare Drum Player

Dakota says she loves how interactive their halftime show is this year.

“We do a lot of movements and in the beginning of Fall for You, we have a singer and dancers.”

Dakota Suarez | 9 ^th grade student & Snare Drum Player

Mr. Oliver says the students only get one week before school starts to master their halftime show and have been improving each time they perform.

“You may hear it every single Friday, but it’s always going to be a little bit better. And that’s what’s important.”

Christian Oliver | Band Director, Cameron High School

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