Smith-Cotton band and orchestra students performed their Spring Concert on May 9 at the Heckart Performing Arts Center, with a special performance by Master Sgt. Troy McKay, who has been a member of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” since 2001.
A news release from the district says McKay, brother-in-law of Smith-Cotton Football Head Coach Charlie McFail, flew in from Washington, D.C., and performed “Grand Russian Fantasia” and “Someone to Watch Over Me” with the S-C symphonic band. Earlier in the day, McKay had a clinic with some of the musicians. As a token of appreciation, trumpet player Logan Goodwin presented McKay, a “Star Wars” fan, with a holographic “Star Wars” poster.
The evening included several awards for improvement and musicianship. Violinist Miriam Allen received the National School Orchestra Award, the highest honor available for a member of the high school orchestra; it recognizes excellence in playing and contributions to the ensemble. Joe Snelling, trombone, and Gabe Decker, trumpet, received the Louis Armstrong Award, the top high school jazz band honor. Edward Toderescu-Stavila, oboe and English horn, and Michylah Hawkins, bassoon, earned the John Philip Sousa Band Award, which recognizes superior musicianship and is reserved for the most outstanding performers in the band.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photos courtesy Sedalia School District 200.