Gallatin’s annual band concert

A special arrangement of popular hit songs “Come Sail Away” and “Our House” by GHS band director Dave Schoeneck was the climax of the spring concert performed May 4 in Gallatin’s high school gymnasium.

Select junior high musicians joined the senior high band with vocalists, guitar and keyboard players featured. Lighting, courtesy of the band Festival, and sound by Max Stout Studio added to the special performance arranged specifically with the talents of the graduating seniors in mind.

Guest musicians included Justin Vyrostek on guitar, Wes Gay on bass guitar, Julie Macy on piano, Brice Garnett on drums with Mr. Schoeneck playing both keys and guitar. Lead vocalist was Robert Heldenbrand with harmony parts sung by Kara Sullenger, Anna Barton and vocal music director Sheryl Warren.

Video tapes and a CD recording the entire spring concert by Max Stout Studio are available for purchase at the school. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Music Boosters. Gift copies are being given to each graduating senior by Mr. Schoeneck.

A large crowd attended to hear instrumental performances of four groups (fifth grade band, sixth grade band, junior high and senior high). The announcement of several band honors and awards were also featured during the program. Many of those attending reacted with applause when Mr. Schoeneck announced his plans to return next year. He complimented senior high musicians for sticking with the program despite a turnover in directors during the past consecutive years.

Four individual awards were presented by Director Schoeneck at different times during the program. Senior drum major Allison Spidle, daughter of Ron and Kim Spidle, was this year’s recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Award. Senior Julie Macy, daughter of Greg and Barbara Macy, was awarded the Patrick S. Gilmore Award. Kelly Story, daughter of Gene and Mary Jane Story, received the Director’s Award for the senior high band. Eighth grader Colby Swanstone, son of Debbie Swanstone, was the recipient for the junior high band.

Musicians who achieved I ratings at the district music contest were recognized and awarded framed certificates. These include piano soloists Courtney Houghton and Julie Macy; tuba soloists Kenny Youtsey and Andy Weldon; the brass quintet of Erin Sweatman, Mariah Gibson, Allison Spidle, Kenny Youtsey and Andy Weldon; and the tuba trio of Kenny Youtsey, Andy Weldon and Scott Wilkinson. Courtney Hougton also received a framed certificate for earning a I rating at the state music contest.

The 33 senior high band members performed five pieces, including Mr. Schoeneck’s special arrangement. The 48-member junior high band performed four numbers. There were 25 students in the sixth grade band and 23 performing in the fifth grade band this year.