Leah Androski reporter2@greenepublishing.com
The Madison County High School (MCHS) band and color guard held a spring concert on Friday, May 13. The concert consisted of the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and the Color Guard. After the concert, there was a senior slideshow and award ceremony. Jay Hicks and other volunteer college students played with the band as well.
The Concert Band started off the spring concert with Mr. Ortega conducting the first song. Mr. Ortega handed off the conducting to Lance Thigpen, the drum major for the Cowboy's, who conducted the next song. The MCHS concert band then played a piece on a variety of Stevie Wonder songs all combined into one song. During the concert different instrument players got a chance to play solos.
The Color Guard followed the concert band with a solo routine by this year's captain, De' Ariel Allen. Then the Color Guard danced to a routine of “Levitating” by Dua Lipa. De' Ariel Allen choreographed her solo routine and Keisha Thomas choreographed the group routine.
The Jazz Ensemble followed the Color Guard with performances of “Billie Jean”, “Fly Me to the Moon” and many other jazzy performances. The crowd favorite was “Billie Jean,” with people in the stands cheering on the snazzy players. After the Jazz Ensemble, Tyler Grass told his famous dad jokes, while people helped set up for the award ceremony.
The awards ceremony consisted of a slideshow celebrating the seniors and their next steps. Lance Thigpen, a senior at James Madison Preparatory High School gave a piece of advice to any upcoming ninth graders saying,” Try not to be so awkward. Find something you’re good at and stick with it.” When Oscar Suy-Perez, a senior at MCHS, was asked the same question, he responded with, “Don't sweat it. It's fine if you don't accomplish anything. You'll get there eventually.” After the slideshow, Mr. Ortega presented awards to the band members.
At the end of the award ceremony, the MCHS Band and Color Guard had a surprise performance of different stand tunes and choreography. Lance Thigpen conducted the surprise performance. Mr. Ortega said that next year, he planned on going to at least three competitions with the band. He also stated that the Color Guard would participate in multiple competitions next year. When Mr. Ortega was asked if the community could help out with any needs, he replied with, “more working instruments for the band students.”