The Pike Road High School Patriot Marching Band is preparing to take audiences on an out-of-this-world journey this fall as the 150-member ensemble builds on a year of success under Director of Bands Dr. Brandon Benson.
Entering his second year at Pike Road High School, Benson said his first year with the Patriots exceeded expectations, both in the warm welcome he received and in the accomplishments of the school’s growing band program.
“My first year at Pike Road has been filled with joy and appreciation,” Benson said. “I have felt welcomed by the administration, staff, and students.”
That first year also brought an impressive collection of honors. The band earned Superior Ratings and Best in Class awards, while the Jazz Band and Symphonic Band continued the success by earning Superior Ratings at the 2026 Alabama Music Performance Assessment. The Symphonic Band also earned two perfect scores.
“I am hopeful that we continue the momentum as we head into the marching band season,” Benson said.
The Patriots kicked off their summer with a special trip to Florida, where the band performed in a parade at SeaWorld Orlando.
During the performance, the band entertained guests with Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” along with the drumline cadence “Trips.” Following the performance, students had an opportunity to enjoy SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, including the parks’ attractions and roller coasters.
Once back home, however, the focus quickly turned to preparing for the upcoming season.
Throughout the summer, students participated in percussion, auxiliary, rookie, leadership and full band camps. Benson said the 150-member ensemble made tremendous progress during July, learning all of the music and marching drill for this year’s production.
“The biggest thing that is going to set us apart this year is the students’ determination to improve each and every single day,” Benson said. “They have shown myself and staff what their potential looks like at such an early stage.”
The centerpiece of the Patriots’ 2026 season will be their new production, “The Planets,” an epic space-themed halftime show featuring music inspired by some of classical music’s most recognizable works.
The production incorporates Richard Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra along with selections from Gustav Holst’s The Planets, including “Mars,” “Mercury” and “Jupiter,” as well as elements representing the other planets in the solar system.
Arranger Justin Williams created this year’s musical arrangements, with Benson adding his own contributions by writing drumline music for the score.
The show is designed to be more than a musical performance. Benson hopes its theme will encourage audiences to consider their own place within something much larger.
“I hope this show inspires anyone who sees it to look beyond what is in front of them, but in reality embrace who they are in the scope of our existence in such a large creation designed by our Creator,” Benson said.
Fans can expect a visually and musically ambitious production featuring fast-paced drill movements and specialized features highlighting the band’s woodwind, brass and percussion sections. The Pike Road Color Guard and Majorettes will add another dimension to the show with vibrant choreography throughout the production.
The full show will develop throughout the football season as the Patriots continue to refine and add elements to the performance.
And the band’s entertainment won’t stop at halftime. Patriot fans can also expect a refreshed collection of modern stand tunes, driving drum cadences and traditional Pike Road favorites designed to keep the energy high throughout Friday nights.
Benson credits much of the band’s progress to the staff members who worked with students throughout summer camps and will continue supporting them during after-school rehearsals.
This year’s staff includes Assistant Band Directors Scott Stanton and Peyton Flowers; Drumline Sponsor Joshua Spivey; Color Guard Sponsor Abby Flowers; Majorette Sponsor Crystal Farley; Brass Tech Keith Bland; Owen McGinnis; and Michael Hargrove.
“The way I have seen our staff pour into our learners is remarkable, and I am very thankful to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people,” Benson said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Pike Road Schools Board of Education and school system leadership, including Dr. Jason Goodwin, Dr. Keith Lankford, Andrea Maness, Jarrod Traylor, Michael Thurman, Kristen Artis, Whitney Cunningham, Christy Wright and Quinetta Phillips, the band boosters, along with the entire Pike Road Schools family.
“I am very thankful to be at Pike Road,” Benson said.
While the immediate focus is on an exciting marching season, another major milestone is approaching for the band program.
Benson said he is looking forward to moving into the new Pike Road High School band room in January, providing the program with additional opportunities to grow and expand music education for students.
For now, the attention is on Friday nights, continued improvement and giving Patriot fans a show to remember.
With 150 musicians and performers, a dedicated staff and an ambitious new production, Benson believes the Patriot Marching Band has the foundation for another successful year.
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