Staunton's Band Spring Concert Was April 28

By JESSICA ULRICH /

STAR-TIMES

Staunton Band Spring Concert was held on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The band was conducted by, Music teacher, Charles Prager. The Fifth Grade, Junior High and High School band members put on a fantastic show. The Fifth grader, beginner band, played selections from the Accent on Achievement, book one by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams. They played; Surprise Symphony, London Bridge, Skip to my Lou, Souther Roses, and Frera Jaques. The Sixth grade band members played Joyful Celebration by Robert Foster Jr .; Jupiter Hymn by Gustav Holst, arranged by Paul Murtha. The Seventh and Eighth grade band members played The Forge of Vulcan by Michael Sweeney; Gabriel’s Oboe by Morricone, arranged by Robert Longfield (Norah Schuman, played the Oboe). The High School band members performed Music from The Hunger Games, arranged by Michael Brown: Call of the Wild by Brian Balmages; Camino Del Sol by Steve Hodges. As well as music from Wicked arranged by Michael Sweeney.

This is the last time performing for the band for the Seniors of Staunton High School. The Senior Band members are: Clair Baima, Ashley Bruhn, Bianka DelValle, Aubrey Dugger, Max Eldred, Ali Fritz, Mason Horton, Madyson Maddalon-Dugger, Kyli Newcomb, Thomas Ogata, Clair Rantanen, Laney Sievers, Jack Sigafoos, Kendall Sigafoos, and Damion Tew.

Mr. Prager held a presentation during the High School Bands session where he recognized a chosen group of seniors. Of those selected, Kendall Sigafoos, the Co-Captain of the Color Guard for the marching band, was recognized for her leadership skills for assisting her other color guard members in the absence of the coach. Recognition was given to the three Drum Majors: Claire Baima; Ali Fritz; Laney Sievers for their leadership to the band. Prager praised the drum major’s musical talent and exceptional character guiding fellow band members with grace and precision. The Patrick S. Gilmore award was presented to Kyli Newcomb. The Patrick S. Gilmore award was introduced in 1994 in honor of the legendary bandmaster and impresario in honor of the legendary bandmaster and impresario. Patrick Gilmore (1829-1892) and his band joined General Burnside’s expedition to North Carolina in the Civil War. Gilmore also played for every president of his day, including Abraham Lincoln. This beautiful award honors outstanding high school band students and their achievements and commitment to the band. The John Philip Sousa award was awarded to Max Eldred. The Sousa Award is the pinnacle of achievement in a high school band. Introduced in 1955 to honor the top student in the high school band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It was created with the approval of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster. National Sousa Registry, Directors may fill out an online form to post the names of winning students, current and previous, online. This national registry will become a permanent record of students’ achievements, and will be open for viewing by friends, family, and college admission departments. Go to http://www.sousawinners.com to register or view current and past winners.