By Bobby Ellis
bobby.ellis@education.ky.gov

As members of the Johnson Central High School Marching Band entered their first week of a new band camp in July, they did so with some new instruments, thanks in part to Grammy Award-winner and Johnson Central alumnus Chris Stapleton.

New saxophones, flutes and trumpets glittered in the sun as the band members took to the football field for their second day of camp.

“It’s amazing how far we’ve come in the four years I’ve been here,” said Martina Lutz, the director of bands at Johnson Central. “For the marching band I’ve got close to 50 people, that’s up from around 20 or so from when I took over.”

With the sun beating down, section leaders gave tips to their younger band mates and members of the flag corps twirled and marched their way into position.

Members of the Johnson Central High School Marching Band stand at attention during the band's summer camp. Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Members of the Johnson Central High School Marching Band stand at attention during the band’s summer camp.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Alexandra Picklesimer stands with her trombone at attention. Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Alexandra Picklesimer stands at attention with her trombone.
Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Jordan Tackett practices a flag twirl during the second day of the Johnson Central High School band camp. Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Jordan Tackett practices a flag twirl during the second day of the Johnson Central High School band camp.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Mackinley Daniels practices with other saxophone players during the Johnson Central High School band camp. Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Mackinley Daniels practices with other saxophone players during the Johnson Central High School band camp.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Zach Caudill stands at attention with his trumpet during the second day of the Johnson Central High School band camp. Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Zach Caudill stands at attention with his trumpet during the second day of the Johnson Central High School band camp as he waits for instructions from Band Director Martina Lutz.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Josh Slone stands at attention during the Johnson Central High School band camp. Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Josh Slone stands waits for instructions during the Johnson Central High School band camp. Along with donating instruments, country musician Chris Stapleton also donated drum harnesses used to carry percussion instruments during marching.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Johnson Central student Tray Kistner plays his saxophone during band camp. Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Johnson Central student Tray Kistner plays his saxophone during band camp. Kistner’s alto saxophone was one of the instruments donated to the school with the help of country musician and Johnson Central alumnus Chris Stapleton.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Johnson Central band member Andrea Collins plays her flute during band camp. Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016

Johnson Central band member Andrea Collins plays her flute during the second day of band camp. The marching band has grown by nearly 30 students in the past four years.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, July 19, 2016