On the evening of May 11th, students who participated in band and color guard during the 2017-18 school year gathered with their families to celebrate of their accomplishments. They were joined by director Kevin Lloyd, assistant director Jeremy Brown, FCPS visual and performing arts curriculum specialist Dr. Randy Rumpf, and Eric and Mandy Schmidt from Duet with Music, a music store located in the Francis Scott Key Mall. Lloyd was accompanied by his wife Beverly Lloyd, and Principal Nancy Doll also attended.

During the banquet, new band booster board members were inducted, students were recognized for participation, and many students received special awards.

Another special event that occurred was the senior presentation, which occurs annually at the banquet. This year, Allie Hudson spoke for the senior class of the band and guard, giving a moving speech that detailed experiences from past years of band and thanked Mr. Lloyd for all of his service to the band and to the seniors specifically. The class then presented Mr. Lloyd with their senior gift.

After the senior presentation, each class of students was recognized for the ensembles they participated in. Freshmen received certificates of participation; sophomores received varsity letters, and juniors received pins. Seniors received individual instrument pins.

Awards that were given during the ceremony included a musicianship award for each class, a leadership award for the junior and the senior class, and most improved awards for each part of the freshman class (percussion, guard, brass, woodwind). There were also many special awards given.

Allie Hudson received the John Philip Sousa Band Award and a scholarship from the band boosters. Josh Watson received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Richard Zhang received the Semper Fi Leadership Award. Patrick Gilmore band service awards were given to Matt Molineau and Madison Riley, the Woody Herman jazz band service award was given to Charles Quansah, and Outstanding Marching Band member awards were given to Caroline John and Ty Pucino. The Quincy Jones music technology award was presented to Payton Hull and the Esprit de Corps Award was presented to Avalon Gravley.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society also had a place in the banquet. Besides current members being honored, new members were also inducted. For seniors who are new members, this honor society will contribute towards transcripts and/or resumes, and for new members of other classes, they will begin meeting next year.

“[The band banquet] was a very fun experience and I was glad to see all of my friends there,” said Class of 2020 member Julia Lizmi.

Next year is already beginning, as marching band practice starts and the incoming freshmen are introduced this month. Good luck heading into summer!