Not Your Average Opportunity: Brookwood High School band performs in Gwinnett County Government video

     Brookwood High School marching band students recently appeared in a Ride Gwinnett promotional video to reveal a new crosswalk in the Gas South District. Under the direction of Dr. Laura Moates Stanley, the band plays “Razzle Dazzle” on either side of the colorful crosswalk in the video, “Not Your Average Stop - Ride Gwinnett w/ Gas South District.”

     Dr. Stanley was contacted by Stan Hall, chief operating officer of the Gwinnett Convention & Visitors Bureau (GCVB), and a community member, who invited the band to perform in the film. Dr. Stanley says the request required a quick turnaround, so she invited 95 students from her most experienced band class to volunteer, and 70 signed up.

     “The Gas South employees and filming crew were so very professional and efficient. The students felt welcome, gratitude, and important to the overall production. Many stated afterward that they felt ‘famous’ and that warmed my heart,” Dr. Stanley adds. “The crew complimented the band, saying that it was much easier than they had imagined, and they were thrilled with the student's musicianship and discipline. I'm thrilled for the students, and Brookwood Band will forever cherish these memories.”

     Drum Major and Brookwood High senior, Chelsea Gayle, says most of the preparation for the video was mental. She adds that the band members knew the Gas South District team had a vision for the project, and that she and her bandmates wanted to help bring it to life.

     “Being on set with the band was a blast; it was fun being with everyone in a professional setting, working with Gas South’s amazing film crew! We were so grateful for the opportunity,” Chelsea adds.

     The presence of the marching band added to the overall celebration of the new, enhanced Ride Gwinnett bus stop and crosswalk installed at Satellite Boulevard, near the entrance to the Gas South Convention Center and Arena. Gwinnett County government officials say the new crosswalk and access point for Ride Gwinnett users will make it easier for guests to safely reach sports, arts, and entertainment events at Gas South. The shared joyous energy of the marching band shines through in the video’s excitement, an energy that Chelsea says is what makes performing so much fun.

     “The overall energy of the band is so exciting to be around. Every football game and competition feels like a family road trip, filled with uncontrollable laughter and nonstop music,” Chelsea says. “We have many traditions within our sections and throughout the band that are fun to share with our rookies every year. Our directors, these past few years—Dr. Stanley, Mr. King, and Mr. Jean have done a phenomenal job in creating that space for us.”