Three from Gallatin in National FFA Band

Gallatin FFA members Jonathan Arnold and Lacy Edwards and alternate Whitney Ray were part of the National FFA Band which performed recently at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ken. The three students submitted audition tapes last summer in competition with students from across the country. Only the top 90 of those tapes were selected for the national band.

Lacy was third chair bassoon, Jonathan was fifth chair clarinet, and Whitney was first alternate on saxophone. Jonathan and Lacy rehearsed from Saturday, Oct. 23, until the convention began the following Wednesday. The band performed at the opening of the FFA Career Show, as well as many of the general sessions. Jonathan and Lacy performed with Chuck Lovell, keyboard player for the Rolling Stones, at one session. Participants also performed in a concert Friday evening with selections by such names as Robert W. Smith and Ray Charles.

Jonathan is the son of Mike and Linda Arnold of Gallatin. Lacy is the daughter of Gene and Lois Edwards of Nettleton. Whitney is the daughter of Stan and Denise Ray of Gallatin. Many of the performances can be viewed on RFDTV. Band director Gene Edwards accompanied the students and helped with organization and practice for the national group.