It is America's largest celebration of high school football and a “once in a lifetime chance” for the three Fort Mill students who were chosen to march at halftime, said Turner, 17. Turner has been the Nation Ford High School band's drum major for three years. She also plays clarinet. Sibley, 17, and D'Avanzo, 18, both play mellophones.

 

All three students have one thing in common, said Nation Ford band director Martin Dickey: “If you were a parent, you'd be proud to call any one of these teenagers your son or daughter.” The three seniors all are acing college-level courses, and all have an idea of what's next after graduation in the spring. They're looking at universities in South Carolina, Indiana and Arkansas. D'Avanzo hopes for a music degree. Turner likes journalism. Sibley is interested in biotechnology. “Band helps grades,” Sibley said, with the other two nodding. Time management, attention to detail and self-discipline all are taught in the hours of practicing an instrument every day since middle school.

 

Friday after lunch, a swarm of teenagers filled Nation Ford's auditorium to congratulate the three students for making the elite band and to learn about the giant event that is to follow. Most were wearing black and red T-shirts, beads and face paint for the school's spirit day. Even a bright red wig stuck out of the crowd. But D'Avanzo walked into the auditorium wearing a tie. Sibley and Turner both wore dress pants and blouses.

 

And during the event, on stage in front of their classmates, the three received black Army band jackets and ballcaps from officials who represent the All-American Band. “These are mature students,” band director Dickey said. “Prepared. Professional. And today is a reward for the hard work they've put into music all these years.”

 

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be televised on NBC at 1 p.m. Jan. 9.