Some things are just so satisfying and gratifying that it’s hard to put them into words.

That’s how Pete Jordan, Jr. explains his feelings about the success of the Charles Henderson High School Alumni Band.

Jordan was involved in the ground floor planning of the alumni band that plays, pun intended, and recognizes the dedication, commitment and contributions of the CHHS band members since Herman Moll’s first marching band took the field in 1929.

“A group of eight former band members got together on CHHS Homecoming last year to organize an alumni band for our alma mater,” Jordan said. “This year at Homecoming, the CHHS Alumni Band had grown to 200 members and 50 of them showed up for Homecoming 2012. What made it even more exciting was that the CHHS Alumni Band was invited to play in the stands and on the field.”

Jordan said the Alumni Band members met at Veterans Stadium and marched into the stadium wearing their CHHS Alumni Band tee shirts.

“I can’t begin to tell you how exciting that was for all of us,” Jordan said. “We sat beside the CHHS Blue Machine in the stands during the first half of the football game and played several songs along with the band.

“At halftime before the homecoming queen and her court were introduced, the alumni band went out on the filed and played two songs with the Blue Machine. That was exciting for us ‘old’ band members.”

The CHHS Alumni Band was comprised of former members of Moll’s storied bands, the Troy High School Band and the Charles Henderson High School Blue Machine.

“It was exciting to have alumni members from all three bands come together to play,” Jordan said. “It was also encouraging to see the great amount of interest in the CHHS Alumni Band. The membership should continue to grow.”

The slogan of the CHHS Alumni Band is “Putting it all together since 1929” and the band’s goal is to continue putting it all together.

“We meet twice a year, at Homecoming and at the alumni band’s annual dinner in April, with committee meetings in between,” Jordan said.

Those interested in becoming members of the CHHS Alumni Band Association may do so by calling 334-372-7644.

A main purpose of the alumni band association is to support the CHHS Blue Machine.

“The CHHS Blue Machine won the regional band competition and will go on to the super bowl of bands in Washington, D.C.,” Jordan said. “It’s one of only 10 bands in the country to participate.”

The cost of sending the band to Washington is high and the CHHS Alumni Band has joined with the CHHS Band Boosters and Julia’s Restaurant in a fundraising effort, which is a spaghetti supper at Julia’s from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $10 for the dine-in or take-out fundraiser.

Those who are unable to attend the fundraiser but would like to make a donation to the band’s trip to Washington may do so by calling 372-7644 or by email at chhsalumniband@gmail.com or by contacting Trent Burkett at 566-3510.