MOUNT VERNON – Four area high school marching band members received John Philip Sousa awards at a recent meeting of the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club.
“The award is based on superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, and loyalty,” according to a press release. “It is the most prestigious award for high school band students.”
Following are the names of the students receiving the awards and their instructors' comments.
Athony Odu
Steve Butcher, Danville High School Band director, said, ”Anthony is an incredibly hard-working young man who dedicated much of his time and talent to whatever it is that he may be doing, whether that’s band, track or his classes. He is a fine gentleman, a good source of a steady tempo, a great bass player and a fantastic musician. I believe that Anthony is sometimes a bit too hard on himself, I suppose that is what it takes to be great and to reach for your goals. I have even heard one of the Honor Band evaluators refer to him as a 'timpani master,' based on his scores."
Riley Cree
East Knox Band Director Elijah Henkel said of Cree that she has been in band since fifth grade and in marching band since ninth grade, playing alto sax. She has participated in solo and ensemble, receiving high ratings. She was section leader for the high school woodwinds last marching season, "and I knew she would always be there and I could trust her in drill and music rehearsals to keep her section on track. Always takes constructive feedback in a positive way. Always looking to better herself.”
Cole Bartsch
Jessica Overholt, director of the Fredericktown Band, said Bartsch “is our percussion captain and is a five-year member of the marching band, four-year member of the concert band and a four-year member of the pep band. He has also participated in Fredericktown High School jazz band and in the Knox County Honors band. Cole is truly a leader by example. He tends to be quiet but in all respects is very deliberate. As a musician, he performs effortlessly because he understands music theory, phrasing and musicality far beyond what is typical for a high school student. Cole is very respected by his peers, not because of entitlement or seniority but because he has earned that respect by not only being good at what he does, but it is also very evident that he enjoys it. Cole is one of the most accomplished musicians that have come through our band program."
Ella Ackert
Mount Vernon High School Band Director Megan Aubihl said, “Over the past seven years, Ella Ackert has become a leader in the Mount Vernon band program and has always made band a priority in her life. Ella is no doubt the best trumpet player to walk through Mount Vernon’s doors in a long time. Ella has been a member of the symphonic band, jazz band, pep band and marching band for the past four years at Mount Vernon High School. She has also participated in private trumpet lessons and received superior ratings on a Class B trumpet solo and three Class A trumpet solos. She has been immersed in the Mount Vernon band program and works on improving the quality of the program with strong leadership and musicianship skills. Ella enjoys working with her peers and developing new ideas to strengthen the family bond our band possesses. Ella is dedicated, dependable, loyal and a fantastic musician, the definition of the John Philip Sousa Award, and I am proud to be able to present it to Ella today.”
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