The Ringgold Middle School concert band has been invited to perform at the 11th annual Southeastern United States Middle School (SEUS) Band Clinic at Troy University on Friday, Dec. 3.

Although the clinic will host more than 50 schools, Ringgold Middle was chosen as one of two schools to present a “model performance” in front of the other bands and band directors.

“This is a big honor for our band,” director Tracy Wright said. “We’ve been working on our performance since the first of the year.”

The band will perform six pieces, including a one written by composer Dallas Burke titled “Above the Torrent.”

This piece is special to Wright because it was written in memory of his cousin, Pvt. Jacob Dennis of the U.S. Army.

Wright said Dennis died while serving in Afghanistan. He said the piece includes “Taps,” as well as Dennis’ favorite hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.”

He said the piece is a five-note melody, which represents Dennis donating his organs to five different people.

The performance will end with Robert W. Smith’s “The Great Locomotive Chase.”

Josiah Daves, an eighth-grader at Ringgold Middle, plays percussion in the band.

Daves said he is excited about the honor, but wasn’t completely surprised.

“The Ringgold band has been seen as prestigious,” Daves said.

Daves said he has been on numerous trips with the band since sixth grade.