Randall Reid-Smith of Charleston, commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Culture and History, told Greenbrier East High School instrumental music students they should “continue a life-long support of the arts and of music in the public schools.”
Addressing over 100 students and parents at the Greenbrier East High School Instrumental Music Banquet in the gymnasium of Rhema Christian Center in Fairlea, Reid-Smith was the keynote speaker for the dinner where outstanding instrumental music students were recognized.
Reid-Smith stressed the importance of the arts to the culture, noting that “The Spartan Band in their show last fall got people in the stands up and dancing – moving is what music is all about. If it were possible, I could have watched and danced your show for a long time.”
He also encouraged the graduating seniors to continue their participating in at least one of their college bands.
The Instrumental Music program at GEHS includes the Spartan Marching Band, Spartan Concert Bands, Greenbrier East Jazz Band, the Spartan Steel Drum Ensemble, and the Second Block Rock Band and are under the direction of James Allder.
In the annual adjudication of West Virginia high school concert bands held recently in Beckley, the two Spartan Concert Bands both received superior ratings.