Central Lee groups to attend 2021 Liberty Bowl

BY PCC STAFF

DONNELLSON - The Central Lee High School band and choir will perform as part of the festivities around the 63rd annual Liberty Bowl in Memphis this December.

The school’s fine arts department was selected to participate in the annual event, which is part of a college football game between Big 12 and Southeastern Conference schools. The band will perform in the Liberty Bowl parade on the world-famous Beale Street on December 27, while the choir will perform at Graceland—the legendary home of Elvis Presley.  

Central Lee fine arts students will also attend the game and explore other Memphis local attractions during the trip.

“These Memphis performances will be an exciting time for the students,” said Tracy Madsen, CLHS Band Director. “Graceland and the Liberty Bowl festivities are great platforms to showcase the department's talented students. Other than being a performance trip, the education perspective is important. Students will have the opportunity to hear performance comments from the judges to better their musical skills, along with visiting the National Civil Rights Museum and other educational and cultural venues.”

Iowa State played in the Liberty Bowl in 2017, defeating Memphis 21-20 in front of 57,266 fans. The Cyclones also appeared in the 2012 and 1972 games. The Liberty Bowl is one of the oldest bowl games in college football, tracing its roots back to 1959.

“I am excited to see opportunities for our students to perform at venues that provide new experiences for our students,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent. “I have been to the Liberty Bowl parade twice, and it is truly one of the top bowl game parades in the country. The combination of the parade and Beale Street creates a memorable experience for all.”

"Providing opportunities for students to experience music is the main purpose of the Central Lee Music Boosters' fundraising efforts,” said Heather Fuger, Central Lee Music Boosters President. “Seeing our high school musicians step out of our district and perform in Memphis is incredibly exciting. We are excited to offer this affordable opportunity to our students and encourage them to participate.”

For more information on the Liberty Bowl, visit https://www.libertybowl.org.