Tune in to the All-American Bowl at 1 p.m. Jan. 3 and see River Hill High School senior Shane Mercy marching in the band in the halftime performance.
Mercy was one of 113 students across the nation and the only one from Maryland invited to join the ranks of the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band and be part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 3. A saxophonist, Mercy was not totally surprised.
“I was confident in my ability to be selected, and I know that I had a good chance … because I had put out my best in the audition,” says the Ellicott City resident.
Mercy was nominated by his band director, Joseph Fischer, to apply. He submitted three videos, one performing a classical piece, one playing and marching, and a short video about himself as a musician and person.
“Shane is an outstanding musician and was a natural choice for special recognition due to this talent,” Fischer says. “I believe that the experience in San Antonio will be life-changing for Shane. The opportunity to perform along with other musicians and visual performers that share your passion and enthusiasm for marching band will
be like no other experience.”
Mercy hopes to represent the state well in the performance.
“I am a little nervous but I am confident that I can be part of a group that will deliver a fantastic show on Jan. 3rd,” he says. “I am most looking forward to working with all of the best marchers and players in the country. It will be exciting to create this collaboration from all corners of the U.S. and come together as an ‘All-American’ band.”
The game kicks off in the Alamodome at 1 p.m. and will be televised on NBC. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is the nation’s premier high school All-American game, featuring the best 90 players in an annual East vs. West matchup. For details visit the All-American Bowl website.