STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School’s marching band is turning halftime into an interactive mystery this football season with a new production called “Trojan Case Files 26.”
Band director David McKinney said that the show is inspired by the game Clue and is designed to bring the crowd directly into the performance.
Instead of simply watching the band, fans at Trojan Field will be able to scan QR codes placed on the field to play along.
Audience members can use the codes to submit their guesses for who committed the “crime,” where it happened and with what, according to McKinney.
McKinney said each performance will feature different combinations of suspects, locations and mystery items.
That means fans who see the show on a Friday night at a home football game and again at a Saturday contest should not expect the same solution.
The show’s staging includes field props representing rooms or spaces such as the library, cafeteria, band hall and office.
McKinney said the suspects in the storyline will include familiar faculty and staff figures like the band director, choir director, principal and counselor.
Assistant director and middle school band director Abigail Bryant said the band is also adding a prize element for fans who participate.
Everyone who plays, even if their guess is wrong, will be entered into drawings for donated items from local businesses and supporters, Bryant said.
According to Bryant, prizes include a basket of home goods donated by Amanda and Whitley Dennison and a fresh flower arrangement by Keri Mosier.
Additional prizes include a $20 gift card to All About Me Boutique in recognition of alumni color guard member Ace Davis; a $25 gift card from The Hive; a $25 gift card from Grateful Hearts Boutique donated by Josh and Sheila Eckert; a $25 gift card from Nadine West Bookstore; and a $25 gift card from Off the Square.
Bryant said participants who correctly solve the mystery will also be entered for a chance to win an all-season athletic pass to Barren County High School.
McKinney noted that the concept for “Trojan Case Files 26” has been in development for about five years, with the band staff revising and refining the idea before putting it on the field this fall.
He said the band plans to debut the interactive show at an upcoming home football game at Trojan Field.
Beyond the new halftime show, McKinney said the band has a busy schedule that includes playing for a Christmas parade reveal event, appearing at a community pep rally, and traveling to a contest in Adair County.
Bryant said the middle school band is also off to a strong start as the new school year and marching season get underway in Barren County.
Key Facts
• Barren County High School band unveiling interactive halftime show, “Trojan Case Files 26”
• Fans will scan QR codes to solve a Clue-style mystery during football games at Trojan Field
• Mystery answers change each performance, with different “who, where and with what” combinations
• Suspects include school staff such as the band director, choir director, principal and counselor
• Prizes include local gift cards, home goods, flowers and a chance at an all-season athletic pass
• Show has been in development for about five years, according to band staff
• Debut scheduled for an upcoming home football game at Trojan Field
• Band also preparing for community events and a contest trip to Adair County
