Outstanding bandsmen awards, scholarships presented at concert

Suzanne Mounce presents the Stanley Walker Memorial Music scholarship to Jared Nipp. Ms. Mounce is Mr. Walker's daughter.

Monday night, Wildcat Arena was filled with fans as it commonly is. This time the teams that took the court were the Symphonic, Concert 1 and Concert 2 bands of Whitehouse High School. The combined bands total more than 230 members.

The evening's concert was presented in loving memory of Mr. Stanley Walker, sixth grade band director who passed away on March 19, 2007. Mr. Walker began teaching at Whitehouse in 2000. This year's seniors were his first sixth grade band class.

Denny Whitley, director of bands, also asked that the audience remember the loss of Alex Fleming. Fleming played trumpet in the Symphonic band.

The concert included several Disney pieces in preparation for the band's trip to Disney World in June to lead Disney's Spectro Magic parade down Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla.

In the past, the band has played various patriotic selections in honor of World War II and Korean Conflict veterans. This year was no different. In recognition of Vietnam veterans, the Symphonic band played "Duty … Honor … Country…" by Harold Walters. The Farewell Speech given by General Douglas MacArthur was narrated by Col. David Bell, U.S.A.F. (retired). Colonel Bell is on the faculty of Whitehouse High School.

Kye Heck receives the $500 Michelle Garlock scholarship from Denny Whitley.

Several student awards were presented. Those included Courtney Mogle and Beth Wiggins as four-year majorettes, Lisa Baldridge as a two-year drum major and Katelyn Parsons as three-year drum major.

Recognition for four-year drum line members went to Nicholas Swinford, Jed McNeill, Kye Heck and Spencer Hutchins.

The Concert Band 2 outstanding bandsman was Krissy Davis.

Concert Band 1 outstanding bandsmen were Brian Parsons and Hatley Moore. Outstanding musician went to Mayela Madulid.

The John Philip Sousa Award went to Heidi Wise and Katelyn Parsons, as did the $500 band booster scholarships.

The final two scholarships are quite special to the band program. The first, the Michelle Garlock scholarship, was established 10 years ago following the untimely death of the band member and majorette. This year's recipient of the $500 award was Kye Heck.

Band director Denny Whitley is pictured with Heidi Wise and Katelyn Parsons, recipients of the John Philip Sousa Award and $500 band booster scholarships.

The Stanley Walker Memorial Music scholarship was presented by his daughter, Suzanne Mounce. Jared Nipp received this premiere award in the amount of $500.

The band students and directors wish to thank all the parents and other community supporters who have made this another wonderful and successful year for the Wildcat band program.