The Fair Grove Band performed in their final concert of the year on Thursday, May 2, in the high school gym.
The Spring Band Concert consists of sixth, seventh and eighth grade bands, along with the high school jazz and concert bands. Each band performed anywhere from three to seven pieces.
Sophomore, Jesse Elliston, explained how he got ready for the spring concert. He said, “I have prepared for this upcoming concert by practicing my music everyday, while also making sure I don’t over practice.”
All of the bands performing in the spring concert have spent all of the second semester preparing. This also includes the soloists who have performed at both district and state competitions. Those soloists are Mackenzie Cavin (12), Lee Van Cleave (10), and Ayden Teaster (12).
Aydan McClinton (9), is in her first year of high school band. She explained what her goals were for the spring concert. “When we’re playing, it’s all very prepared and sophisticated as we can make it. Our entire goal is to make it an enjoyable and musical experience,” McClinton stated.
Natalie Palomo, who is the Fair Grove band director, expressed her feelings toward this past concert season. She stated, “I think this concert cycle has been great! The kids have poured a lot of themselves into getting these pieces ready.”
As the end of the year concert has ended this year’s band season, the program is seeing a lot of impactful seniors leave. Looking to next year, Palomo believes that it will be a year of growth for the high school band. She stated, “We’re losing some incredible seniors but they’ve set us up to keep moving onwards and upwards.”
Senior, Liam Draper, stated, “I have a lot of mixed emotions towards this being my last concert, I’m very excited to be moving on to the next chapter of my life but I also will miss all the memories from band.” Aaron Faucett (12) had similar emotions. He said he was sad that his senior season was over, but excited for the spring concert to be over with.
Elliston and McClinton both expressed how the loss of seniors will affect next year’s band. McClinton said, “Next year, I have a lot of expectations, because our season was so good this year. We’re going to lose a lot of strong players and I’m ready to see the rest of the band step up to fill those spots.”
Draper has felt that his past season has been successful. He stated, “I feel like we have had a great year in band, from having a very successful marching season to going into concert season and finishing with a 2 at state. I believe we have done very well this year.”
