Nineteen members of the Class of 2018 performed for the final time as members of the Spartan bands last Wednesday evening as the five performing instrumental groups presented the annual spring concert.

Performances were made by the Greenbrier East Concert Band, the Spartan Freshman Band, the Green and Gold Upperclassman Band, the Spartan Steel Drum Ensemble, and the Spartan Marching Band, all under the direction of James Allder, director of the GEHS Instrumental Music Department.

Performing in April in the Regional Band Festival adjudications, held in Beckley, the Spartan Bands each earned superior ratings .

The Spirit of the Spartan Bands award, previously known as the Bob Johnson Memorial Spirit of the Band award, was presented to Matthew Harvey, symbolizing the highest honor given by the instrumental music program at Greenbrier East.

Other student awards presented included the dedication awards to Julian Baker, Makiya  Viney, and Tyler Perry, while Mallory Jones was named outstanding senior guard member for 2017-18.  Harvey, along with Alize Hollinghead and Caitlin Frazier, were honored for outstanding leadership.

Musicianship awards were earned by Caitlin Frazier, Cecilia Ciciora, and James Hendricks while service awards went to Hendricks, Maria Price, and Zoe Truesdale.

The Spartan Steel Band Ensemble awards for outstanding dedication, leadership, musicianship, and service in this very specialized performing group were presented to Jordan Heard, Makiya Viney, and Mallory Jones.

During the concert, Jeff Jasperse, president of the Greenbrier East Music Boosters, introduced the outgoing officers of the support organization and thanked the parents and supporters of the instrumental music program for their continued emphasis on a quality educational  experience  offered to the students at Greenbrier East High School.

Members of the Class of 2018 of Greenbrier East High School who performed in the final concert of the Spartan Bands were Julian Baker, Christopher Cooper, Cecilia Ciciora, Bronwyn Mann-O’Shea, Makiya Viney, Maria Price, Zoe Truesdale, Tyler Perry, James Hendricks, Mallory Jones, Alize Hollinghead, Caitlin Frazier, Matthew Harvey, Jordan Heard, Victoria Marcus, Ryan Barrett, Tyler Robinette, Jesse Hosmer, and Kaitlyn Burns. The printed programs for the concert were designed by Ileya Westmoreland and Alize Hollinghead, both students in the instrumental music program.

On display in the GEHS gym during the concert were pillows made from the old Spartan Band uniforms, and orders were being taken for commemorative pillows of the 50th anniversary of the Spartan Marching Band. All proceeds from the sales go to the Music Booster financial support of the instrumental music programs.