Music fans got a treat on the third Saturday in October when the Bama Million Dollar Band held their pre-game practice at the Sevier County High School stadium. As a former ‘band kid’ in high school at Morristown West, I knew that it was ‘a must visit’ to enjoy the sound of this amazing, collegiate band.

A number of tour buses and trucks were already in the high school bus loading area upon my arrival. I always like looking at this 18 wheeler.

We got out of our cars and followed the sound of music to the stadium.

The band itself is enormous while in field position so I had to ‘do a stadium’ and stand at the top to get a full shot.

I worked with Doc Ramsey ‘ back in the day’ at SCHS so I decided to go up and give him a quick greeting during a break.

Conducting practice from the press box.

Retired band director, Doc Ramsey, hosted the Bama band during his years at SCHS and continues the connection today. Pictured are retired SCHS band director, Doc Ramsey, (left) and director of the Bama Million Dollar Band, Dr. Kenneth Ozzello.

The Million Dollar Band practices an entrance to the field. I always enjoy the entrance!

Cotton Eyed Joe

After the practice and lunch, the band begins the journey to Neyland Stadium. It is quite thrilling to see the motorcade lead buses up Chapman Highway to the game. If you happen to be nearing an intersection on Main Street, I can testify that it is particularly exciting when you hear sirens and see local police stop traffic within a split second.

These musicians have put in the practice and are quite a delight to see in person. Try to see the band practice and motorcade in a couple of years when they return for a home game with the Vols. It is truly a Million Dollar Band and we got to see it in here in Sevierville.