1 of 6

Band director David Turner finishes practice with the Ferriday marching band Wednesday at Ferriday High School. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Jámará Hawkins, 17, plays the tenor drum during the Ferriday High School marching band practice Wednesday. Hawkins has been part of the band for a year and already has become the section leader. “I love the music, being on the drum and performing,” Hawkins said, “When I’m performing I just imagine I’m the best tenor drummer in the world.” (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Dajanae Washington, 16, junior plays the trumpet during practice Wednesday in Ferriday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

The Ferriday marching band marches around the school during practice Wednesday at Ferriday High School. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

David Turner marches with the Ferriday marching band Wednesday at Ferriday High School. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

The Ferriday marching band listens to director David Turner Wednesday at Ferriday High School. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

FERRIDAY — For the past three years David Turner has been directing the Ferriday marching band.

“It’s been a journey,” Turner said.

The Ferriday marching band is made up of several different schools: Ferriday High School, Ferriday Auxiliary, Ferriday Junior High and Ferriday Upper Elementary, representatives of every age group.

Turner said he has the same hopes for all of his students.

“I just want them to be first in life,” Turner said. “Along with teaching them music, it’s about teaching them discipline.”

Turner himself graduated from Ferriday High School in 2008. Now, instead of performing, Turner said he enjoys watching his students grow.

“What stands out to me is the smile on their faces when they learn something difficult,” Turner said.

For several students it’s also about having the community and social interaction.

Junior, Dajane Washington, 16, began playing the trumpet three years ago.

“The people are my favorite part about coming here,” Washington said. “These people are all my friends.”

Being in the band provides outlets for many students, Turner said.

“All of them don’t come from perfect homes,” he said. “It gives them a getaway. Even the ones who do come from perfect homes, it gives them the opportunity to grow, learn, win and cry with each other.”

The band’s first performance will be in the Prince Hall Day Celebration parade Sept. 9 in Monroe and the first home football game will be Sept. 14 at Ferriday High School.

More News

FEEDBACK: Needs assessment group recommends 200-plus bed jail for Adams County

Bright Future: Natchez Early College student joins esteemed honor society

‘41 students homeless’: Natchez-Adams School District identifies challenges

VPD ‘power patrol’ yields drug busts