Just when we thought the Central High School band couldn’t make Memphis prouder, they reminded us that creativity and spirit can overcome anything—even a ban on playing instruments. Enter: the kazoo rebellion.
It all started before Friday’s football game against Brighton High School. Central’s award-winning band was ready to take the field—or rather, the stands—but they were met with an unexpected roadblock. “We were told we could not play,” said Ollie Liddell, Central’s band director. Why? “Because we were too loud,” Liddell explained. To clarify the reasoning, we reached out to Brighton High’s principal, Brian Crowson, but he did not return our call.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond weighed in on the situation Monday, noting that “while Brighton High’s administration expressed concern about sportsmanship, it is important to note there is no TSSAA rule restricting bands from playing during live action.” For Liddell, the decision was unprecedented. “In more than 20 years of teaching, I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said. “We were told our band wouldn’t be allowed to perform, and that if they brought instruments, they wouldn’t be admitted to the game.”
Faced with the dilemma, the band considered skipping the game entirely. But Central High principal Amy Epps had a creative solution: kazoos. The school purchased kazoos for the entire 200-member band. “That’s 200 kazoos!” Liddell said. “The principal bought them. Here’s to Amy Epps for principal of the year!”
Armed with kazoos, the Central High band took their seats, ready to play. And play they did—loud, proud, and unmistakably kazoo-powered. “They sounded great,” said Jane Hankins, whose son Jackson plays saxophone. Even as the Brighton band performed, the Central High students cheered their opponents—true sportsmanship in action.
When the final score came in—Central High 28, Brighton 21—the spirit of the night was undeniable. “The kids had a great time,” Liddell said. “It was a bonding experience and almost like a passive protest. A creative way to stand up for something unjust.” Hankins added, “These kids were handed lemons. They made a lemon pie.”
From instruments to kazoos, Central High showed that a little creativity, resilience, and school spirit can turn any challenge into a victory.
