Members of the Whitewater Middle

School Band are having an interesting experience these days. While preparing

for the upcoming Musical Legacy concert, many students are getting ready

to perform with their parents.

Band director Bill Melton had

heard of another band uniting students and their parents for a performance

and decided to give it a try. The band is now 130 members strong and after

several rehearsals will perform three patriotic tunes at the concert Tuesday.

"A lot of the parents

still had their instruments," said Melton. "Many of them said

they hadn't played in a long time, but they were really enthused to play

again."

The combined band will perform

after performances from the eighth-grade concert band and the Symphonic

Band. The parents and students will perform "American Tribute,"

which is a medley of patriotic tunes, "You're A Grand Old Flag,"

and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Melton says that almost all

of the instruments are represented and though some of the right notes

were not played in the first rehearsal, the group played with a lot of

heart. Melton sent home the music and a CD with the children so that parents

could play along with the music at home and practice.

"It is a very unifying

experience," said Melton. "Often parents, students and teachers

are all going in their own direction. Music has been a great unifier bringing

everybody together."

The concert looks to be a success,

thanks to the support and sponsorship of many local businesses and the

assistance in organizing the event from many of the parents. Melton plans

on doing this every year as the response so far has been excellent.

The concert will begin at 7

p.m Tuesday and will be followed by a dessert reception. The event is

free. Phone 770-460-3450 for more information.

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