Written by Autumn Johnson |
Photos by Kim Inglis |
Of the many extra-curricular activities that Morgan has to offer, band is one of the best. The band is full of students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Their final concert for the school year was held on May 9th at 7:30 pm.
Under the direction of Band Director Ray Smith, the students played songs such as “The Star Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key, “March from Second Suite in F” by Gustav Holst, Cajun Folk Songs by Frank Ticheli, Kentucky 1800 by Clare Gundman, Pilatus: Mountain of Dragons by Steve Reineke, and Birdland by Josef Zawinal.
The seniors who participated are Alexandra Genua, Jaimey Cretella, Alex Robison, Julia Horan, Eli Luchuk, Matt Capece, Sam Dailey, Aidan Esposito, Drew Walton, Jillian Accetta, Burton Caldwell, and Zack McCray. Each senior was recognized at the concert.
Many of the seniors have participated in band for all four years. Senior Burton Caldwell stated, “The concert went well. It was one of the better performances of my high school career.” Senior Alex Robison stated that “the band played amazing, as usual, and I have loved performing with them for the four years that I’ve been a part of the band. I’m definitely going to miss the opportunities that Chief has offered to us (regionals, Shorelines, rock band, jazz band, etc.) Chief is, in all honesty, one of the best teachers in Morgan. I recommend taking any classes that he offers if you have a free period, or need a tech or art credit.”
The band director Raymond Smith has been supporting and practicing with all of the students for years now. Towards the end of the concert, the seniors presented Chief (Mr. Smith) with his gifts. They created a book full of funny things he has said throughout the past four years.
Freshman Maggie Mahoney who plays the clarinet feels that the concert “went well and the seniors did a good job of making a lasting impression on all of the upperclassmen and Chief.”
