PRCC Spirit of the River to mark anniversary of terrorist attacks

POPLARVILLE – A decade after terrorists flew airplanes into the World Trade Center, the Pearl River Community College marching band halftime show will recall the attacks and pay tribute to the resilience of New York City.The Spirit of the River and the String of Pearls first show performance will be on Sept. 15 when PRCC hosts Southwest Community College at 7 p.m. in Dobie Holden Stadium in Poplarville.The show is in three parts, said Dr. Kyle Hill, PRCC director of bands. The first part recalls New York City pre-9/11. The second part of the show will remember the attack. The third part is the post-9/11 hopes of New York City.The first part of the show includes Barry Manilow New York City Rhythm and selections from the Broadway musical Rent. The second section features The Attack and Homeland, original compositions by Ayatey Shabazz of Biloxi.The final portion will feature Simple Gifts, an old Shaker hymn.About 150 students make up the Spirit of the River, the color guard and the String of Pearls. Michael Boyte of Sumrall and Allen Grace of Hattiesburg return as drum majors, joined by Taylor Trigg of Petal.Kara Fleming directs the String of Pearls, who will be featured on Rent during the halftime show and will dance to Kesha We R Who We R during the pre-game show.Mike Bass is assistant band director, and Archie Rawls is chairman of the department of fine arts and communication.