2017-18

2017 was a major change for the Bryan Station Band. Dr. Sherry Baker was hired as the Associate Band Director after Matt Skaggs left to be the Band Director at the newest FCPS High School, Frederick Douglass HS.  A large portion of the members were redistricted to the new school and along with the large graduating class from the previous year's band, numbers dropped by 50%.  However, quality was sustained and we knew the numbers would rebound after this one year anomaly.  The halftime show featured 007: The Music of James Bond. The Marching Band also appeared in the Roots & Heritage Parade, BSHS Homecoming Parade and the Lexington Christmas Parade.

Many small ensembles performed at the Station Arts Open House in September.

The Brass Quintet performed a Veterans Day tour of several Elementary Schools and performed for the opening of the November FCPS Band Director Staff meeting.

The Jazz Combos performed at the Lexington Country Club for the Cave Run Lake Yacht Club awards dinner and the PTSA Night at Chipotle.

The Bryan Station Area Concert was held in November featuring the Bryan Station MS Jazz and 8th Grade Bands, as well as the HS Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. We ended the concert with a "side by side" performance with the band playing along with 49 eighth grade members from our feeder middle schools.

Asia Thomas (Horn) and Tozcha Bean (Euphonium) made it to the 2nd Round All-State auditions.

The Station Arts Gala was rescheduled for December. The Band performed Selections from Fantasia and The Hallelujah Chorus arranged by Shaun Owens.  The Jazz Band performed Winter Wonderland.

The UK Honors Band weekend was held the first weekend in February.  We had 10 students selected.  They were: Asia Thomas (Horn), Tozcha Bean (Euphonium), Sebastian Astolfo (Tenor Sax), Caitlin Deffendahl (Alto Sax), Zach Henz (Clarinet), Josie Grant (Trumpet), Austin Murray (Horn), Breyona Calloway (Euphonium).

Student selected to the Asbury University All-Star Band Clinic included: Asia Thomas (Horn), Tabitha Horne (Flute), Abigail Garner (Oboe), Kate Jones (Flute), and Lauren Fields (Flute).

Asia Thomas (Horn) was selected to the All-District Symphonic Band. Tozcha Bean (Euphonium) and Ashlin Meuser (Trumpet) were selected to the All-District Concert Band. Andrew Swisher (Piano) was selected to the All-District Jazz Ensemble. Asia Thomas (Lead Trumpet) and Zach Henz (Lead Alto Sax) were selected to the All-District Jazz Band.

KMEA Solo & Ensemble Assessment was held at Lexington Catholic HS. The following were awarded:

Distinguished Ratings:  Zach Henz (Clarinet), Ethan Sturgeon (Baritone Sax), Austin Murray (Trumpet & French Horn Duet), Jacob Tellman (Trumpet), Tristan Pettway, Annabelle Jones, Amari Miller and Dylan Campbell (Clarinet Quartet)

Proficient Ratings: Josie Grant (Trumpet), Kate Jones (Flute), Tabitha Horne (Flute), Zoe Frosty (Clarinet), Austin Murray (French Horn), Devin Lewis, Nathan Buede, James Robinson and Eric Tolley (Brass Quartet)

The Percussion Ensemble competed at the 7th annual Bluegrass Pageant of Guards and Percussion sponsored by TriState Marching Arts and hosted at Bryan Station.  They took third place in their class and performed Crazy Train by Ozzie Osbourne.

The Band performed at the KMEA Large Ensemble Assessment at Frederick Douglass HS in March.  The Band (Grade 3) performed Allied Honor March by Karl King, As Summer Was Just Beginning by Larry Daehn and Hymnsong Variants by Robert W. Smith.  They received a Proficient rating. 

The Jazz Band hosted its 5th annual Jazz Dinner Dance at Oleika Temple.  Dinner was catered by Blue Door Smokehouse, and the evening featured silent auctions and an opening performance by the Bryan Station Middle School Jazz Band. The HS Jazz Band performed last. They also performed at Willies Locally Known for an appreciative crowd.

In May the Bands performed a Spring Concert.  Selections included Festivo by Vaclav Nelhybel, Blue and Green Music by Samuel Hazo (conducted by Denver Pascua, Student Teacher), Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo by Malcom Arnold (conducted by Daniel Taylor, Student Teacher), and Sweet Child 'O Mine by Guns and Roses.  The Band performed One More For The Count by Mike Lewis, Katy by Sammy Nestico and The Jazz Police by Gordon Goodwin.