2008-09

The Marching Defenders finished their first season on their new rehearsal field.  After many years of using the green space between the middle school and high school as the marching band practice field, even after they built a baseball field on it, the band used the asphalt bus loading zone.  After the last bus left, cars were place on the entrance and exit to block traffic and rehearsals could proceeded safely.  The directors still had no observation tower, but that will hopefully be installed before next year.

The Marching Defenders performed their show Into The Storm by Robert W. Smith.  They placed well in each contest earning several high percussion awards and reserve grand champion at the Carroll Co. competition.  The band also qualified for the state 5A semi-finals after a spirited performance at quarterfinals at Tates Creek HS.  Even performing first in the show, Bryan Station earned the trip to perform the following week in Louisville.  The Saturday at Papa Johns Stadium was fantastic.  The band had their best show of the season performing on a warm sunny day on the 1st of November.

The bands performed a Fall Concert just before the Thanksgiving holiday.  The bands presented a program of American music.  The highlight of the concert was a performance of Don Gillis' Abraham Lincoln: Gettysburg, 1863. This tone poem included a stirring narration of The Gettysburg Address by local radio personality and band parent Jack Pattie.

Bryan Station hosted the KMEA District 7 Honors Bands in late January. Sam Nickel (timpani) and Luke Francis (snare) were selected and represented us in those ensembles.

Taylor Chapman (marimba) and Micah Tatum (bass clarinet) advanced to the second round All-State Band Auditions.  Taylor was selected 2nd chair in the All-State Symphonic Band and performed at the KMEA In-Service Conference in February.  Micah was selected to play with the UK Honors band in February.

The Band Association hosted the first annual Bluegrass Pageant of Guards and Percussion.  The Tri-State Circuit competition featured 55 units in competition and a full house in the gym from noon until well into the evening.

The following students received Distinguished ratings at Solo & Ensemble Festival:

Distinguished Solos: Taylor Chapman (I+), Micah Tatum, Cassie Edington, Cecilia Owsley, James Guyton, Skylor Shemak, Chris Walters, Ashleigh McMenama, Brooke Howard, Ester Vasilyuk, Chris Cutshaw

Distinguished Ensembles: Holly Hardwick, Chris Walters, TC Sorrell, Stephen Waun, Charity Barbour, Cecilia Owsley, Richana Campbell, Christian Campbell, Jordan Leedy (2), Elizabeth Stone (2), Sam Nickell, Rico Sanchez, James Guyton.

In March the combined bands traveled to Madison Central HS for KMEA District Concert Festival.  The group performed A Thousand Hills Overture by Claude T. Smith and A Tallis Prelude by Douglas Akey.  They received a Proficient rating with a distinguished rating for their sightreading efforts.

The Spring Concert featured a world premiere of a three movement work for wind band entitled Waterford Suite by Director of Bands, Shaun Owens.