Odessa's bands finish year with busy final month

The bands at the Odessa Schools finished the year with a number of performances. On May 17, the Advanced Band traveled to Spokane and marched in the Spokane Lilac Festival Torchlight parade. The band did an excellent job, and its members were good ambassadors for the town.

On Tuesday, June 3, the beginning band, intermediate band and advanced band performed their spring concert, demonstrating the skills they have been working on throughout the year. They played selections using several different musical styles.

Special awards were also presented the same evening. Eighth-grade band members Maleah Davison and Colton Hunt received the Director's Award for band for their contributions to the junior-high band throughout the year. Odessa High School junior Braxton Estep received the Arion Award for his leadership and dedication to the high-school band. Jacob DeWulf was presented with the John Phillip Sousa Award in recoginition of his outstanding musicianship, leadership and dedication to the overall music program, similar to a band MVP award.

On Thursday, June 5, the advanced band headed to Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho for a performance in the park. Following the performance the group had some time to enjoy the rides and finished off the trip with a meal at Mackenzie River Pizza in Couer d'Alene.

Finally on Saturday, June 7, the advanced band performed for graduation providing the opening incidental music and the traditional Pomp and Circumstance as the senior class marched in, capping what has been a very busy year for all of the school bands.

The support of the parents and the community at large are much appreciated.