Talent echoed in joint-school band concert

By: Van Wadley, HHS band director

            The Sunny Hill Intermediate Beginner Band and the Haywood Hill School Concert Band held a joint Spring Concert on Sunday, May 2, in the HHS gymnasium. This was the Beginner Band’s first time in front of a live audience since both bands held virtual Christmas concerts with no audiences present.

            The Sunny Hill Beginner Band played two numbers, Fanfare Fantastique by Robert W. Smith and Alpha Dog by Heather Holfle.
To help fill in musical parts due to absent students, three high school band students joined the concert: DeSean Alfred – Baritone, Jontasia Campbell – Clarinet and Mariah Johnson – Clarinet.
The Haywood High School Band played four numbers: Glorioso by Robert W. Smith, Dedicatory Overture by Clifton Williams, Groovee! A G Minor Groove for Concert Band by Richard L. Saucedo and Rampage by Todd Stalter.
The High School Band had three guests playing with them, Alex Aitken – Vice Principal, Haywood High School, Michael Wadley and Dylan Wilson – 2018 Haywood High School graduate.
Musical medallions were given to all of the students as a sign of appreciation with the Senior medallions being personalized with the school name, their name, a picture of their instrument and the school year.
The Haywood High School Bandsman of the Year was presented to Senior Flute member Anna Evans.
Upcoming events include possible participation in a National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day by playing Taps and the high school’s band camp in July to prepare for the 2021 marching season.

           Both bands are under the direction of Van Wadley.