By Julie Johansen
The Emery High School band was recently joined by several community members to perform a concert in the local park. Ben Carroll, band director, pointed out that approximately one-third of the band consisted of community members.
The evening started with the band playing “Fanfare,” a lively piece featuring the brass and percussion sections of the band. Next, the audience was invited to dance to “Rock Around the Clock.” A rousing applause prompted Carroll to compliment the band on this being the first time they had all played together. Next came the only concert piece of the evening, “Convoluted Sketches,” featuring the woodwinds with a great tonal mixture of sound.
After, Carroll presented several awards to band members and others. The first award was to principal Larry Davis for “Administrator of the Year.” Carroll took time to explained that Davis had been very supportive during his years as principal.
Student awards followed with Cassidy Heaps being recognized as drum major and Skyler Sitterud as the assistant drum major. The Call of Duty award went to Kaiden Allred and Layne Taylor. Pep band recognition went to Layne Taylor, Kaili Merrell, Cassidy Heaps, Jaylynn Cowley and Kaiden Allred. Community helper awards went to Mike Royal, Holly Smith and Jeff Smith. Outstanding band members included sophomores Justin Guymon, Bridger Ivie, and Nate Smith, juniors Kaili Merrell, Braiden Lake, Cameron Price and Layne Taylor, and seniors Sabrina Mead and Taigen Pulli.
Students who lettered in band included Skyler Sitterud, Celeste Anderson, Kaiden Allred, Kaili Merrell, Jaylynn Cowley, Cleo Halaliday, Lucas Riddle, Nate Smith, Oscar Reid, Layne Taylor, Cameron Price. Braiden Lake and Elexis Dalton. The outstanding band member, receiving the John Phillip Sousa Award, was Skyler Sitterud. The students then gave Mr. Carroll a going away present as he will be teaching at the junior high level next year. Finally, Carroll acknowledged his wife for organizing the community band.
The final two numbers by the band were a rousing “Baby Elephant Walk” and “The Russian Sailor’s Dance.” The crowd’s applause required an encore of “Rock Around the Clock” again.
