Cecil Houston, the band leader at Jackson High School who died this week, had his students recite the marching band creed every day and before each game:
Music is our Love
From the heavens to the ground
Through the roar of the Jaguar
We are "The Soul-full Sound"
The Baton is our Sword
To do as it's told
To honor the power
of crimson, black and gold
These instruments are our weapons
The music is our ammunition
We are the Treble-Maker, Bass-Takers
For the love of music
For greater bands of Maynard H Jackson
We stand together as one
We strive for the highest
And are second to NONE
Admire the movement of the auxiliary
So graceful and free
Feel the thundering drums
Coming down the street
Hear the cry of the whirling woodwinds
And the howl of the mighty brass
Forever we are the Marching Jags!
Mr. Houston, who was 36, left his legacy on his students, friends and family.
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Here is what some had to say on Twitter:
- Amir Henry (@THETreKickPush): RIP one of the greatest percussionist ever.. One of my instructors and a great man Cecil Houston.. May your soul be in bliss forevermore
- A. Smith (@DatDude357): Smh um not believing this yet man RT @makallin25: RIP Cecil Houston!!!! You will be missed!!!!!
- Frank Houston (@iamfrankhouston): R.I.P. to my frat brother, fellow MMP, great musician/arranger Cecil "Vato" Houston II. Sending much love and prayer to his family. #F2BAMMP
- Clark Atlanta Jazz (@CAUjazz): R.I.P. #CAU alum/percussion instructor CecilHouston II. Your dedication and service in education made a tremendous impact on many lives.
- Mr STeaL YA ReeSe's (@iMHungry_SoIEaT): Never would have thought that the greatest band director i knew would be gone :( R.I.P. Mr. CecilHouston that just .......
- President Kennedy (@Kase_Kennedy): Damn RIP to my old percussion instructor from Clark Atlanta Cecil "Vato" Houston talent that'll be missed
- Riley Escobar (@miss_maya613): SHOUTOUT to @Drumline_Probs for recognizing our instructor, RIP CECIL H HOUSTON II. Keep the beat going in heaven. We love u.
SEE ALSO:
Find out what's happening in East Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- 'He Made Me Proud to be Part of the Marching Jags Family'
- Rest in Peace: Cecil Houston
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