Henryetta Marching Band Prepares For Troy Aikman Honor

An Oklahoma high school marching band hits the big time. They'll be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame parade in Canton, Ohio. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Jennifer Loren explains how the Henryetta

Tuesday, August 1st 2006, 10:17 am

By: News On 6

An Oklahoma high school marching band hits the big time. They'll be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame parade in Canton, Ohio.

News on 6 reporter Jennifer Loren explains how the Henryetta Knight Brigade captured an invitation to this once in a lifetime opportunity.

In Oklahoma, Henryetta is known for one of its progenies, Troy Aikman the football player. If you only see Henryetta from the highway, one thing you know is they're proud of their former Dallas Cowboy Troy Aikman.

This weekend their hometown hero will reach a new plateau. He'll be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Henryetta resident Sharon Kellogg: "I think Troy Aikman's a big plus for the town. There are a lot of other people too. But he's awesome."

But right now, it is all about Henryetta's high school marching band. The 35 students gave up summer vacations to prepare for the hall of fame parade. Band member Shawnda Reid: "And I've given up friends, time out, going out with friends." Band member Josh Griffith: "We've had to sacrifice a lot of stuff. But we're getting it done. So hopefully we'll do good. I think we'll do good. We're going to do good!"

Some folks in town think they'll do good. The band showed off their hard work with a new song in their very own parade down Henryetta's Main Street Tuesday morning. Henryetta resident William Henry: "They're pretty good, for a small town band."

The parade is not just a good way for the band to showcase their talent, but band director Alan Montgomery says its a great way to prepare for the big competition. "Our little Oklahoma band will be competing against some of the best bands in the country.
Those that were invited, not because of their football player, but because of their band.â€

And in the spirit of Troy Aikman, these kids say they're not only representing Henryetta, Oklahoma, they plan to bring home another trophy, one of their own.