The Madison County High School Symphonic Band held its Spring Concert Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. at the North Florida Community College Van H. Priest Auditorium. The concert was directed by band director Monica Brokenborough and included performances from the Indoor Guard, Jazz Band and Symphonic Band. The Indoor Guard opened up the concert with two selections, followed by a solo selection from student and Captain Morgan Cherry. The audience was filled with family, friends, mentors, and local community who all came out to support the band. The band performed selections such as Night Train, March of the Trolls, Regal March, and many more. Some of the audience’s favorites were Brick House and The Inferno. “One of my favorite parts of the show was The Inferno,” said Demetria Jackson, a member of the audience. “I liked how it started off quiet and calm, and then the intensity builds up.” Throughout the concert, band director Monica Brokenborough mentioned the many accomplishments of the band and its members. Students, such as band member, Kaitlyn Farnell, received superior ratings at State solo and Ensemble. Other students in the band were awarded scholarships to pursue music in the future. “I really want to pursue music as a career because of you,” said band member Deandra Straws about Brokenborough prior to the show. Brokenborough also expressed how proud she was of her students and their growth thus far. “One of their biggest achievements was them learning to improvise,” said Brokenborough. “I am surely proud of them, and the progress in their musicianship.” The band members were awarded after their performance for most improved, great leadership, and best duets, just to name a few. “That’s my hero,” yelled band member Michael Jones’s mother as he walked up to receive his award. The night ended in a standing ovation, and a heartfelt speech from Brokenborough who explained some of the hardships she faced upon employment at Madison County High School. “This is my second and final concert as director of band at Madison High School,” said Brokenborough. “Even though this has been a very up and down rollercoaster school year, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, because it made me stronger.” The students all said their good-byes, and the Indoor Guard presented her with roses on behalf of the band to express their appreciation. “I can’t exactly say I’m going to miss MCHS employment, but I will miss each and every one of you all,” said Brokenborough. The Symphonic Band is collecting donations for some of its students to attend leadership camp this summer. Also, if you would like to become a sponsor, visit their page at www.mchbands.com.
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Pictures:
1: Photo Submitted. Madison County High School Symphonic Band is ready to perform at the Spring Concert.
2: Photo Special To Greene Publishing, Inc. By Octavia Bennett, May 28, 2015 Student Ceridwyn Griffis plays clarinet during duet performance.
3: Photo Special To Greene Publishing, Inc. By Octavia Bennett, May 28, 2015 The Madison County High School Symphonic Band’s Indoor Guard poses for a quick picture. Pictured from left to right, are: Ma'Kayla Jones, Niesha Davis, Akira Dennis, Morgan Cherry, My'Asia Arnold and Jakiera McNair.
4: Photo Special To Greene Publishing, Inc. By Octavia Bennett, May 28, 2015 The Jazz Band is shown performing Night Train at the Spring Concert.
5: Photo Special To Greene Publishing, Inc. By Octavia Bennett, May 28, 2015 Band member Akyenna Davis plays the Baritone during his duet performance.