Last Tuesday, May 17 was the final band concert of the school year. It showcased the high school symphonic and jazz bands. All of the songs were very enjoyable and upbeat. The symphonic band played the songs Bohemian Rhapsody, Medley from Phantom of the Opera, and Carry on Wayward Son. Jazz band really got into it when they played Twist and Shout, Uptown Funk, and Proud Mary.
As a special addition, flutist Stephanie Koehn and baritone saxophone player Sophia Claphan, both got to share with us the solos with which they competed to go to state. Each chose challenging songs and did a beautiful job pulling them off.
The last band concert was an award ceremony as well for outstanding band students. Before the concert, the band students anonymously nominated others for special awards they believed those students were deserving of. Students were selected and acknowledged in front of the audience, and it turns out each student had excelled so much that every person was given an award! The audience was full of supporting parents proud of their kids.
The graduating band seniors were also given a touching farewell. The three seniors leaving band were Erica Wood who as served as band librarian, CJ McCulla, band president, and Amanda Bauer. All of them have been highly involved in band during their high school years and will be deeply missed by every member. The band director, Ms. Hanna, got a little choked up when thanking every senior for their years of hard work, dedication, and joy.
Erica Wood said "Band has been one of the greatest highlights of my high school career because of my fellow bandos' passion for music and the exciting energy that they bring into everything they do. When I graduate in June I won't be leaving just a band class, I will be leaving a family behind."