Despite the January blustery cold, it was all smiles when the Sherman High School Bearcat Band recently revealed their new trailer to transport instruments, show props and other equipment.

“The reveal was better than what I could have hoped for,” said Ryan Jenkins, director of bands. “The kids reacted to it so perfectly, and their excitement was so infectious.”

The new 53' trailer replaces a trailer which has served the band well since 2005 and has undergone several renovations, but as the SHS band grew in size and needed different equipment, an upgrade was needed.

“We used the old trailer to its fullest extent, and when we bought it initially, it was transformational,” Jenkins said. “This new trailer will last the band at least 20 years as well.” 

Growth was in mind during the trailer’s design to accommodate a larger band, meaning more instruments to store.

“We have more room than we need currently, but when the growth comes, we will already be prepared,” Jenkins said. “I can’t imagine it will be long before the band has 250 students.”

There are a few new features as well that improve safety and usability. The new trailer comes with a full-width hydraulic ramp compared to a hand-lowered platform, and heavy equipment can be loaded with the help of a winch instead of manually by students or parents. For color guard members, there's a set of undercarriage boxes to store equipment that can be retrieved without going into the trailer.

“It’s functional and efficient, and every inch of that trailer is being used,” Jenkins said. “The features on it also make the trailer safer for my students.”

At competitions, Jenkins said unloading and loading the new trailer will be faster and more efficient, allowing students to focus on their performance, and a director’s perch installed on the side allows for easier rehearsal while the band is gathered below.

“The trailer is designed so that the flow of students picking up their instruments or equipment could be quickened quite a bit,” Jenkins said. “The perch will help with our preparations before contests or games and boost the kids’ confidence.”

The new trailer will be on the road come the 2024 marching season in the fall. Community members can see it at the annual Band Sneak Peek in August.