2013-14

In 2013, Matthew J. Skaggs was named Associate Director following Michael Payne's resignation to accept the position of Band Director at George Rogers Clark HS.   The Marching Defenders changed the paradigm and chose to focus on halftime entertainment and parades instead band performed a pre-game show including Station favorites Defender Kingdom, Go Defenders, The Defender Fight Song & The Start Spangled Banner.  During halftime, the band moved closer to the fans and performed an entertaining show including Runaway Baby, Cissy Strut & Runaway Child. The marching Band traded the traditional aussie hat used since 2007 for navy ball caps fitting the new emphasis on entertainment over competition.

In November the bands presented a Fall Concert in the theatre for a packed house. The Jazz Ensemble played a benefit at Donnamire Farm.

Bryce Curtsinger (Trombone) was selected with the All-Star Invitational Marching Band.  He performed with the group at the Orange Bowl in Miami, FL.

Bryan Station again hosted the KMEA District 7 Honors Bands in January. Noela Botaka (Mallets), Jacob Margolies (Alto Sax), Dustin Spiegel (Trumpet), Nicholas Waun (Tuba), Katherine Wright (Mallets), Michael Robinson (Clarinet) & Zachary Robinson (Trumpet), were selected and represented us in those ensembles. For the 4th time in 6 years the event was cancelled due to weather. It was rescheduled at UK in May.

Michael Robinson (Lead Alto Sax) & Zachary Robinson (Lead Trumpet) were selected in the All-State Jazz Band.  Both performed at the KMEA In-Service Conference in February.

Katherine Wright (Drum Set), Michael Robinson (Lead Tenor Sax) & Zachary Robinson (Jazz Trumpet) were selected to the All-District Jazz Band.

The Bryan Station HS Jazz Ensemble earned a Distinguished rating at KMEA Jazz Assessment. They performed All of Me by Seymour Marks, Here, There and Everywhere by Lennon & McCartney, Corazon by Carole King and Frank Granata's Blues by Mike Vax.

The Bands traveled to The Center for Rural Development in Somerset for KMEA Concert Band Assessment.  The Symphonic Band performed Claude T. Smith's Incidental Suite and Sousa's The Liberty Bell. They earned straight Distinguished ratings. The Concert Band performed Denbridge Way by James Swearingen and Il Scipio March by G.F. Handel.  The received a Proficient rating with a Distinguished in sightreading.

Distinguished Solos: Manuela Botaka, David Jones and Katherine Wright

Distinguished Ensembles: Luis Batres, Jonathan Dunaway, Amelia Clark, Dustin Spiegel, Zachary Robinson, Bryce Curtsinger, Jordan Durham, Halima Williams, Jessika Scott and Manuela Botaka.

Bryan Station Indoor Percussion had a very successful season.  The placed first at the TriState Championships and competed at the Winter Guard International Percussion Championships.