Community

Bitter-sweet band concert

The seniors with their director at their last ECHS concert, from left, D’Aunta Bullard, Ariel Whatley, Maliyah Milton, Shawnee McGhee, Billie Ellis, director Hayley Cockrell, Stephen Gehman, Jarrett Nelson, Justin Pearson, Melea McGhee, Derik Kidd.

Escambia County High School Band Director Hayley Cockrell called the concert bitter-sweet. It was the spring concert, held Thursday evening, April 20.

Bitter-sweet because this is the last concert of the year for this band. And bitter-sweet because 10 of her band members are seniors.

The concert was excellent, and it’s obvious this is a close group of musicians. The range of music spanned classical to pop.

Cockrell presented plaques to two band members for excellence at All-State:

* Jamarcus Leslie, MS Bb Clarinet, Alabama All-State Band, Alabama Bandmasters Association

* Jarrett Nelson, HS Bassoon, Alabama All-State Band, Alabama Bandmasters Association

Seniors are D’Aunta Bullard, Billie Ellis, Stephen Gehman, Derik Kidd, Melea McGhee, Shawnee McGhee, Maliyah Milton, Jarrett Nelson, Justin Pearson, Ariel Whatley.

Hayley Cockrell presented plaques to Jamarcus Leslie, left, and Jarrett Nelson, right.
Since the high school auditorium is being renovated, the band performed in the school lobby.