McIntosh student on national tour

A McIntosh High School student is touring the country this summer as a member of the Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, and is competing in shows across the nation as part of the Drum Corps International Summer Tour.

James Weldon is one of 150 brass, percussion, and color guard members, ages 15-22, from across the United States, Europe and Japan selected as a member of the 2016 Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. The corps performs an 11-minute show that integrates artistic and athletic skill in an entertaining display of outdoor pageantry.

Weldon auditioned for a spot in the program last November along with over 600 other hopeful candidates. Members are selected based on their musical ability, movement skills, and attitude.

This year, the Spirit of Atlanta will compete in more than 25 shows nationally through the Drum Corps International Summer Tour. When the competition season comes to a close Aug. 13, Weldon will have competed in shows in the states of Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina. The national tour began July 7.

The primary objective of the Spirit of Atlanta is to provide challenging, high-quality programs for youth through a positive environment that emphasizes character and social development, leadership, self-discipline, and the pursuit of excellence.