East Laurens Band of Gold playing the hits of the Jackson 5

The East Laurens Band of Gold will be bringing the sounds of the Jackson 5 to the field this year.

East Laurens band director Jaimee Blanchett has 65 students. She meets with her student leadership every morning at 7:30 a.m. during band camp, which went from July 20 -31.

“We were talking about how much fun everybody was having,” Blanchett said. “Today is the fourth day of 10 hour days and they are tired. But they are excited and ready for the season.”

Blanchett decided that she really wanted the band to do some Motown and thought the Jackson Five would be good for her students to march to on the field.

“It’s good to expose the students to some great artists,” she said. “Michael Jackson is by far the king of pop.” 

And with the movie “Michael” hitting the screens this past summer, it was a good time to bring Jackson’s music to the student’s attention.

“Several of the band members got together and went to watch the movie,” Blanchett said. “It was a good bonding time.” 

The Band of Gold will open with “I Want You Back.” They will play the ballad “I’ll Be There,” followed by “Never Can Say Goodbye,” before closing with the classic hit “ABC.”

“We’re hoping through some energetic body movement, some expressive choreography and vibrant visual designs, our show is going to be entertaining and really heart-felt,” Blanchett said. “We’ll have large props on the field again. We are going to have visual effects to help transform this whole field into a stage that is hopefully worthy of the Jackson 5 and their unforgettable style and energy.”

Drum majors Maggie Foskey and Emaurie Nino, both seniors, will be leading the band on the field. Foskey moved up to this position after serving as band captain last year.

“This is pretty cool,” Foskey said. “It’s good to get to lead everybody and watch them grow. Band camp has been really fun and our leadership has been really good too.” 

Foskey, who plays clarinet, was excited about the halftime show.

“We played some Michael Jackson songs a couple of years ago,” she said. “With the Jackson 5, everybody likes the music and it is really catchy.” 

Nino, who plays baritone, has also enjoyed his new role as a drum major.

“I feel like we’re coming along well as a band and I’m stepping into this role more and getting more comfortable with people,” he said. “It’s coming along great so far. Our group is more connected this year and the morale is really high. We’re more excited and they are very hard working. They are all putting in the effort to learn and they are very dedicated.” 

Which includes the music.

“It something that can bring out the fun for all ages,” Nino said. “Young people and old people love it. Who doesn’t love a little Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.” 

While the majority of the Band of Gold is made up of eighth through 11th grade students, Blanchett has been impressed with her seniors.

“This is one of the largest senior classes that we’ve had in recent years,” she said. “I’m really leaning on them. They are going to provide a lot of experience and a lot of maturity. Their mentorship is really guiding the young people in this group.”