On the CMA Red Carpet

“Country Music’s Biggest Night,” the 42nd Annual Country Music Awards, brought new meaning to marching down the red carpet this year, inviting the John Overton High School Marching Bobcats to officially begin the celebration.

“We wanted to trumpet the expansion of our red carpet this year, and what better way to do that than with one of Nashville’s most outstanding bands,” said CMA Chief Executive Offi cer Tammy Genovese in a press release. “Supporting music education is very important to our artists and CMA, and we are always looking for opportunities to involve local students in our events.”

The band marched in front of a procession of limos and other vehicles containing the singers and celebrities who attended the awards, which aired on Nov. 12.

“This is a great experience for our students to perform at an event that is not only important to the city of Nashville but to all country music fans throughout the world,” said band director Debbie Burton in a press release.

Overton is part ofMetro Nashville Public Schools district, which has received $1 million to provide more than 1,000 instruments for students in 41 schools from CMA’s “Keep the Music Playing” program. The Marching Bobcats are five-time state champions and two-time winners of the Sudler Shield award.

About author

Elizabeth Geli

Elizabeth Geli is the assistant editor of Halftime Magazine and a journalist/communications professional in Southern California. Her 11 years at the University of Southern California (USC) Trojan Marching Band included time as a flute player, graduate teaching assistant, and student advocate. She holds a bachelor's degree in Print Journalism and master's degree in Specialized Journalism (The Arts) from USC.

An Ode to the Field

In its center lies an “x,” where the journey begins. The “x” is insignificant to most, and more often than not overlooked. But to those ...