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HISTORY OF THE CORNER BANDThe earliest known band on record at Corner High School was in the 1950-51 school year, seen pictured. That band consisted of musicians and majorettes from the Junior High and High School. It is uncertain who was director at the time, or even if there was a designated "band director." The first music teacher on record was Mr. Turnipseed, circa 1952.
In 1954, the first official band director was appointed - Mr. Biloon. Thus followed a rapid succession of directors: Mr. Habercorn (1955-56), Ms. Norton (1956-57), Mr. Jordan (1957-58), and Mr. Lorrin (not pictured, 1958-59). During the 1960's and through the first half of the 1970's, the band enjoyed some consistency under the direction of Mr. Nick Pachencho. Mr. Pachencho received formal musical training from the Kiev Music Conservatory in Ukraine, likely during the World Wars era. Following his departure in 1974, the band was led by Ms. Becky Cox until 1976.
(Special thanks to Mr. Mike Manning for the historical research!) |
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Mr. Jordan
(1957-58) |
Mr. Pachencho
(1959-74) |
Ms. Cox
(1974-76) |
In 1976, a first-year teacher out of Jacksonville State University named Mr. Rick Coggin was hired as the new band director at Corner. At that time, the band room was an old cannery building with vines growing through the windows, floors covered in mud, and the uniforms laying in a huge heap on the floor of a back room. Fortunately, the original school library was being repurposed as a bandroom. Even in the "new" bandroom, however, there was only one door, bookshelves from smaller instruments, multiple noisy window A/C units, and radiator heat fueled by a coal boiler.
Of his first day at Corner, Coggin recollects:
Of his first day at Corner, Coggin recollects:
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"Going home after my very first rehearsal with the band, I realized that the challenges ahead were many. Most of the band didn't have a clue what note to start on to play the B-flat scale. We could not play an entire easy chorale without stopping several times. I remember going home and telling my wife...that after that year I would be looking somewhere else to continue my career. Little did I know that I would be there until 2020!"
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In 1976, there were 52 members in the band, including 7th and 8th graders. After years of hard work, the band earned it's first overall Superior rating in 1979 at the Mid-Alabama Marching Festival. In 1982, the Corner Band earned it's first Superior rating at District concert band festival. Since that time, the Corner Band has consistently received Superior ratings at marching contests, district festivals, and state band Music Performance Assessments.
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In 1997, the first Assistant Director, Mr. Joey Harbison, was hired to assist Mr. Coggin with the thriving band program. Mr. Harbison split time at Bagley Junior High (at that time a K-8 school) and Corner (as well as at West Jefferson High School.) After Mr. Harbison moved on in 2000, no assistant was reappointed until 2007 when Mr. Cory Wills was named the new Assistant Director.
Around 2010, major changes happened within the Corner system. Bagley Junior High became a K-4 elementary school, Corner Middle School became a 5-8 school, and Corner High (9-12) received a brand school complex. Mr. Wills was named Director of Bands at Corner Middle School, while Mr. Coggin remained the Director of Bands at Corner High School. The band now operates in state-of-the-art facilities: a 4,200 square foot bandroom (including built in recording equipment, sound-proof practice rooms, an ensemble room, and ample storage) and an elaborate theater for indoor performances.
Around 2010, major changes happened within the Corner system. Bagley Junior High became a K-4 elementary school, Corner Middle School became a 5-8 school, and Corner High (9-12) received a brand school complex. Mr. Wills was named Director of Bands at Corner Middle School, while Mr. Coggin remained the Director of Bands at Corner High School. The band now operates in state-of-the-art facilities: a 4,200 square foot bandroom (including built in recording equipment, sound-proof practice rooms, an ensemble room, and ample storage) and an elaborate theater for indoor performances.
The current Corner High School facilities, opened in 2010.
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Mr. Cory Wills (left) and Mr. Rick Coggin (right) escort the band.
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During this era, the Corner High School Marching Band participated in competitions around the United States, including the Bands of America Regionals and Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, IN. The band was the very first marching band to perform in the Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts. Students have also participated in the Bands of America Summer Leadership Symposium for decades.
Over the years, the Corner High School Band has ventured across the country; trip destinations include New York, Washington, D.C. and Nashville, TN, where they recorded in the historic Studio B (the studio of choice for Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and more.) The band also has a strong local presence, having participated in the Gardendale Christmas Parade every year since its inception, as well as numerous other community events. |
2012 Bands of America Super Regional in Atlanta, GA.
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Mr. Murphy (left) and Mrs. Saunders (right) at a CHS football game.
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In 2015, Mr. Wills departed the program and was briefly replaced by Mr. Adam McDowell. In 2016, Mrs. Debra Saunders was named the Director of Bands at Corner Middle School, a title which she still holds today. She and Mr. Coggin worked together until 2020, when he retired amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Adam Murphy was named the new Director of Bands at Corner High School in 2020, and Mr. Coggin was honored with the title of Director Emeritus.
Our band program is proud of its tradition and seeks to honor its heritage while providing students with cutting edge instruction and experiences! |