GOOD HOPE, Ala. — Good Hope majorette captain Avery Flynt will be going into her sixth and final year in the Good Hope Raider band starting this fall and, in this interview, she shared some of what she’s learned during those many years in band.
“Being in band has taught me a sense of belonging. I’ve never felt home like I have in the Good Hope Raider band and there truly is nothing I’d rather be a part of. It has taught me respect, leadership, and has given me a new perspective on meeting new people. I’ve met so many people through band that I’d never know of if it hadn’t for me joining it and I’ve made lifelong friendships through it. The thing I’ve learned most is patience. I’ve always been huge in the Lord’s timing but being a part of the band has given me so many opportunities for the Lord to show me to have patience in His timing. Without the triumphs and defeats that come with each band season, I wouldn’t be the leader or Christian I am today.”
Avery has been around a lot of great people during her time in the band and has learned some things from them, along with last year’s seniors as well.
“Being around leaders like the ones on the leadership team in the Raider band has been an asset to my own accomplishments and leadership skills. They’ve taught me how to correctly navigate through certain things I’d never think of and sense of responsibility I’ve always strived to achieve,” Flynt said. “Amber Roat and Allyssa McDonald brought tons of energy to our band. They both taught me how to truly enjoy being in the band around my peers and they always brought so much energy to practice and performances.”
Avery talked about what all the band accomplished last season, plus what it’s been like having Joshua Anderson as their new band director.
“Last season was incredible. Having Mr. Anderson come in was another change for the band, but he had been more than we could have ever imagined. He’s truly changed the band program and proved himself well last season. We brought home multiple awards during marching competition season and concert season with his instruction and encouragement,” Flynt said. “It has been incredible. He’s believed in me from the beginning and he brings an entire new energy to our band. With him being so young, I think it helps us relate to him more, and he shows each and every one of us that he has endless support for us. He’s even proven his support by coming to mine and my teammates’ individual baton competitions outside of the band just to show his support, which really showed us how much he cares.”
She added,
“What I’ve learned from him is how to be confident when I’m leading. He hasn’t gone back on his word once since he’s been over the band and that’s stood out to me, for sure. It’s improved our leadership program, I think, because we feel more confident in our own abilities due to his influence.”
Avery has become an even better leader thanks to the guidance of Mr. Anderson. She will head into her third year as the majorette captain and has learned so much since becoming captain.
“Having his guidance in being confident has helped me be able to lead the majorettes without second-guessing myself and make decisions that are best for the group. He’s helped me handle various issues with constructive criticism that’s improved my leading abilities overall,” she said. “My experience has definitely been full of some challenges, but with my girls Jenna Crumpton and Jillian Zapka, my time as captain has been nothing short of incredible. I’ve learned how to have responsibility and respect for my fellow teammates, and watching them grow as not only twirlers, but young women, has been so much fun.”
Avery talked about what the name of the halftime show is and it will be an extra special season for her with it being her last year performing in the band. She also shared her favorite memory from being in the band so far, plus what she’s been teaching the younger members of the band.
“We found out a few weeks ago that our show will be ‘Postcards from Spain’,” she said. “I am so excited. I love seeing the individual pieces that go into each show and this one will be extra special, with it being my final show with the Raider band. Being around the band environment has been my favorite memory from my band career. I love the energy the band brings to not only performances, but band practices as well. The band members truly are the best people I’ve ever met in my life and they will impact me forever, no doubt.”
She added,
“My favorite thing to teach the upcoming band members is to be themselves. Being unique is who we are called to be. I love to help people showcase their personalities, while proving to them who the Lord sees them as.”
Avery has plenty of goals set for herself and the band, plus she also talked about what will make this band special to watch.
“My goals are for everyone to feel genuinely proud of themselves after every performance, no matter the outcome. We’ve set the bar pretty high with awards in the past, so I hope to continue that legacy. The band is truly a family. Every band member cares about each other and that’s what makes us go above and beyond,” she said. “This upcoming band season is going to be so wonderful. Our band is growing and our auxiliary has almost doubled from last year. This year, our majorettes are titled the Raiderettes, which is another exciting thing that’s coming for us. The girls and I have worked so hard outside of the season to prepare for the fall and I can’t wait to put that work into the stadium.”
Avery’s role model is a band alumni and she gave Avery some of the best advice that she was ever given.
“Our coach, Haleigh Harbison, is actually a Good Hope Raider band alumni and I’ve always looked up to her in so many ways. She is always reminding me to be myself, no matter what,” she said. “The best advice that I was ever given actually came from her. They’re the three most insignificant words to some people, but to me, they meant the world: ‘Yes you can’. She probably had no idea what that meant to me, but in a world full of negatives, a light like her is very hard to find. I hope to inspire people daily by simply saying no to the negatives and yes to encouragement like she does.”
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