Two chartered buses made their way from Cisco College to Branson, Missouri, recently to honor veterans with musical tributes. One bus was full of the Marching and Jazz Bands led by Director Manuel “Manny” Martinez, and the other bus was full of Wrangler Belles and the Cheer Team, led by Director Jenna Woods and Assistant Coach Cassandra Blanton. A total of 68 students performed twice for soldout Veteran shows sponsored by the Clay Cooper and Shanghai Theaters.
“These were 2-plus hour tributes from well-known performers in the Branson area. We were honored to open both events,” Band Director Martinez said. The Jazz band also performed a pre-show to the opening of the Texas Tenors show, while the Wrangler Belles performed the pre-show to the Clay Cooper Country Express Show. “It was a busy time for all,” he said.
The Marching Band played “America, the Beautiful,” “Amazing Grace,” “God Bless the U.S.A., and the “Battle Hymn,” Martinez said. “The Wrangler Belles performance was very Texas-oriented which displayed what they are known for,” he said. The music included; “Gone Country,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and ”God Bless Texas.”
