Roddy urged to compete for 2017 band slot by 2016 band member

James Roddy addresses the students at Easley High School after his selection for 2017 Army Bowl Band.

James Roddy of Easley High School in Easley, S.C., was selected on Oct. 1 as a 2017 U.S. Army All-American. He is joining an elite group of marching band members who will perform during halftime at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl presented by American Family Insurance at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Roddy said that Samuel Charles, who was a 2016 Army All-American mellophone player from South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, S.C., encouraged him to apply for the band. They met at a band clinic at Winthrop University when Roddy was still undecided about the audition. “It is pretty cool,” he said about being selected. “Now I want to play well and march well.” 

 

 South Pointe High School Band members with Samuel Charles after his selection for 2016 Army Bowl Band.

The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band recognizes the top 125 high school senior marching musicians and color guard members from across the country, showcasing their talents during the largest celebration of high school football in America, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, televised live on NBC at 12:00 Noon CST on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. Last year, 1,300 high school students competed for these prestigious spots.