The Howe High School Band had their banquet on Tuesday night and celebrated the 40th year of the band program in style by handing out numerous awards. On display were all of the band uniforms throughout the years along with some of the color guard uniforms. Scrapbooks and various photos of the history of the program were on display.
Band Director Angie Liss said that the banquet is a special time for her. “We recognize each senior individually where we tell each of their accomplishments and special memories.” said Liss. “I talk specifically about what each each student has meant to our program and the the directors.”
Students are given an opportunity to list words that describe each senior and those words are compiled and read at the banquet. All of the medals were handed out for the solos and ensembles and recognized were each of the band booster officers, color guard, winter guard, and band council.
Band Booster Scholarship winners were Madeline Ansley, Justin Taylor, Caleb Hough, Jackson Dunavant and Tiffany Lallier. Band Beau and Band Sweetheart were named Colton Sanford and Madeline Ansley. Most Spirited Boy and Most Spirited Girl went to Jackson Dunavant and Regan Gonzalez. Outstanding Band Member Award was awarded to Regan Gonzalez, while Outstanding Woodwind Award went to Kaylee Dwyer. Airianna Smith took home the Outstanding Brass Award while Dustin Woody was named Outstanding Percussion Award. Rookie of the Year went to Greg Snider.
Beau/Sweetheart and Most Spirited are voted on by the students. Rookie of the year is a combination of student votes and director choice. Outstanding students are chosen by the directors for their direct impact on the band as a whole, as well as individual successes.
“We look at the students that we consider to be the tops of their sections, evaluate their musical accomplishments, their leadership roles, and their attitudes within the band setting.” said Liss.
Special recognition was given to Paul Seiler, the exchange student from Germany, for being voted so high in all three student voted things. He received the Most Spirited Band Beau Rookie of the Year. Bailey Tyler was awarded with “The Uhaul Award” for being the loading captain the last four years.
