Band students honored during concert
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany band students ended the school year last Thursday with a concert showcasing each band both separately and combined.
Several students were also recognized with awards during the program that included several selections from each band’s contest music.
Senior Clara Holson was given the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award as the outstanding high school musician for the year.
Students who competed in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest were also recognized.
In addition, most students who didn’t compete at the UIL solo contest participated in a local solo and ensemble event two weeks ago.
Band director William Vaughan noted that 49 of the 52 players competing locally received a Division I rating for the panel of out of town judges.
Those same judges also recognized several players with Outstanding Soloists Awards.
Sixth graders receiving the award were Jordan Knight, Slayten Kelly, Hunter Sutton, Karlyn Thompson, Kamryn Graham, Karlea Sanchez and Charlee Patterson.
Seventh graders Emille Hebel and Rylee Bennett were also awarded the honor.
Students in the high school band that were tapped by the judges were eighth graders Tony Wheeler, Joe Angel Alvarez, and Ryan Turner, along with ninth grader Lathin Brownlee and sophomore Gunner Graham.
Summer Band
Vaughan has also announced dates for summer band rehearsals that start later in the summer for next year’s high school band that includes grade eight through 12.
During the week of July 18-21, a special preparation camp for students wishing to try out for the All-Region Band later in the year will be held, along with regular practices for the percussion section, also called the pit crew.
The remainder of the high school students planning to be in band next year, including eighth graders, will start summer band on July 25. The Monday through Thursday practices will continue through the start of classes in August.
Vaughan said he is expecting around 50 members in the band next year, compared to just under 30 this school year.
“We will start working on music for our contest show, as well as other pieces for football season,” he said. “We will start marching drills in August.”
