64 CRC Senior Heroes 2024
“INFINITY is the endless dance of stars in the night sky, a boundless horizon where dreams stretch beyond the limits of time. It’s the melody that never fades, and a tapestry of memories woven with threads of hope and resilience.” – Anonymous
The resilience and determination of the 2024 BHS Band members – particularly the senior members of the BHS Marching Band – seems INFINITE to me; as the middle school director and a Band mom, I am incredibly proud of them. Despite starting their Band journeys in different programs, these students have grown together and turned challenges into opportunities for growth. Their strength, leadership, and passion for music have inspired everyone around them, including myself, younger Band members, Band parents, and even competitors. Their love for music has been a driving force in their determination to succeed, and the legacy of their hard work, passion, and courage will echo in the Broadway Band programs for years to come.
From the beginning of their time in Band, these seniors have had to find a way, just to make music. On March 13th of 2020, they were in 7th grade when Covid shut down all schools; they went a period of 234 days without playing instruments together due to Covid protocol, but thankfully they kept playing at home. They returned to school as 8th graders when schools reopened, but playing music was hindered by masks, instrument bell covers and woodwind bags, with players sitting 6 feet apart from one another. Notable events from the Spring of 8th grade (2021) included some of these seniors at a “spring season” Varsity football game, with an unforgettable April 1st, weird and wintery, “snow globe performance” by the Marching Band. The JFH Band also wrapped up their 8th grade year with one (Beatles themed) concert, with students and parents sitting 6 feet apart in the gym. As 9th graders, the transition to BHS brought on relaxed Covid protocol, as BHS added a new part time director (Mx. Flake). In 10th grade, there was a change of BHS Band Directors (Mrs. Ford to Mx. Flake), and also a new part time director (Mr. Rush).
Even after losing significant ensemble rehearsal time during their junior year due to medical leave of their director, the seniors along with the newest Asst. Band Director Ms. Lough (and all the members of the Broadway HS Band) set a VBODA District record, when eight students were eligible for All-State Band auditions. BHS was also named an Honor Band and a Blue Ribbon School, reflecting the combined overall success of its Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Choral programs.
During the current school year, there were additional setbacks for the seniors when the BHS Assistant Band Director position was lost due to budgeting and restructuring of positions, and then the BHS Band Director was out of school for another extended absence due to a work-related accident that resulted in an extensive and complex injury. Undeterred, the seniors once again took charge of rehearsals, with guidance from a truly dedicated Marching Band staff and assistance from a former director. Their hard work led the Marching Band to finish putting the last few sets of drill on the field just four days prior to earning a Superior rating at VBODA State Marching Assessment, setting the foundation for the music department to (hopefully) earn Honor Band and Blue Ribbon distinction once again.
These seniors embody relentless perseverance; nothing will stop them from making music. As graduation approaches, the journey ahead of these amazing people is boundless, filled with endless opportunities for growth and exploration. Each of these amazing people has shown unwavering resilience and determination and has proven their passion for music. We are very proud, and grateful to these amazing seniors for their positive attitudes and work ethic; their potential for success is INFINITE.
Thank you to Christa Gitchell, for allowing us to share the senior Marching Band member photos!
