By: Rebecca Veach, Madison Thornhill, and Kirsten Benesh
Originating with a mere 46 members and expanding to an astounding 187 involved today, the Karns High School Marching Band has developed into one of the most popular programs at Karns High. The program is currently under the direction of Mr. James Crawford. Mr. Jim Rector, a former KHS Band Director, worked with the band for over twelve years. He instituted the standards, values, and traditions that the KHS band still upholds today, ideas he gained from his former band director, Mr. Jack Thomas. These three influential men are the foundation of the Karns High School Band we know and love today.
When Jim Rector was a senior, in 1969, he had been in the band program for several years. “I went to high school here; I was in the band program from age 10,” he recalls. The band at the time had about 114 members, thanks to Jack Thomas, who as stated by Jim Rector, “is the man who really kinda revived the program.” Mr. Rector looked back fondly on his memories as a former clarinet player. From 1965 to 1969, the band grew from 30 to 100 members. Mr. Rector remembers when they attended the Sugar Bowl Parade in New Orleans, stating, “We didn’t stay in a hotel. We stayed at a naval base, and there were no showers. They took us to the YMCA to take a shower.” It was a fun time for the band students because they got to spend some time together in an unconventional setting.
The 1970s and early 1980s were led by director Jack Thomas who called the band the “Karns Cavaliers” and included many innovative elements that have become part of KHS Band legend. These include a famous cadence and exciting halftime shows that included special effects such as the time a gun was fired at the end of a performance of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Thomas helped to establish the band as a major draw for Karns students.
In 1991 , Jim Rector rejoined the KHS Band, this time as director. It was not a smooth transition. Rector instituted many changes, and some students balked at these. The famous drum cadence was the first thing to go. Former band member Dale Jeffries states, “The cadence we did was so legendary and cool that most everyone in the band learned how to play the cadence during band and we even stayed after school to learn these beats outside with the drummers teaching us. I want to say we protested and even became depressed and against being in band anymore as I quit my senior year after marching season.” Some students were also upset by his throwing away some old trophies. Still, many students understood that some changes were necessary. Former band member James Heaton remembers, “It was a different time. Mr.Rector needed to start his own legacy.” This launched Jim Rector into his many years as the KHS band director. He instilled rigorous discipline and work ethic in his many students.
In the fall of 1993, freshman James Arnold Crawford Jr. began his high school band experience. “Being in Mr. Rector’s band and being your guys’ band director opened so many doors for me in my life. From musical experience to world travel, there are so many things I’ve been able to do because of my start in the Karns High School Band,” Crawford explains about his beloved years, “I went to London with the band. It was cool. I had fun.” Band kick-started his love for music and helped him find his lifelong career. Mr. Crawford played tenor drums his four years of marching band, along with other instruments he played for concert band or simply for fun. Along with finding his passion, he found a lifetime best friend, Mr. Rhett Butler. The two friends became section leaders for the drum line their senior year and eventually became some of Mr. Rector’s favorite students due to their dedication to the program. After the two graduated, they both went to The University of Tennessee Knoxville, where they were on the drum line for The Pride of the Southland Marching Band, furthering their love for music. After his time in the Pride at UT, Crawford went on to many jobs; most notably, a contractor for four years. But during this five year break, he realized his real calling and became assistant band director at Karns High School in the fall of 2011. After a few years as assistant band director, he became full band director in 2016 and has been inspiring more students than ever to become a part of the band.
Now in 2019, the Karns Band has grown to almost 200 students. It continues to grow every year and with 37 seniors leaving the program this year, there are an estimated 60 eighth graders joining the band next year. About half of the seniors have spent all four years of high school in band, and have gained countless memories and friendships from the program. Band is such an important part in a lot of students’ high school careers. Color Guard Captain, Rebecca Veach, says about her experience in band, “It has been the best part of high school. I can’t think of anything that has made me happier than performing on a football field with my friends.” Assistant Drum Major, Emma Boice, feels that it was a vital part of her experience here and will never forget the memories she made. Last but not least, Breton Stanley, the Karns Band Captain, believes, “You won’t find another group like this. Not just in the building, but anywhere.” The Karns Band has been an influential part of many students’ lives and has guided them to excel in life.
Overall, the Karns Band is a significant part of the school, and has helped create lifelong memories and friendships. Without the influence from hard working directors and members, the Karns High School Band would not be where it is today. The band owes their large numbers, popularity, and success to the foundational leaders of the Karns High Band.
Karns Oral History Project 
One little correction: “Kavaliers” was spelled with a “K,” not a “C.”
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