A senate RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor the Blythewood high school blue legion marching band, directors, and school officials for a remarkable 2024-2025 season and to congratulate them for their outstanding accomplishments.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that the 2024-2025 band program, comprised of one hundred twenty-three talented students across marching band, concert band, percussion, and color guard, has demonstrated exceptional commitment, skill, and teamwork throughout the academic year; and

 

Whereas, the program is guided by the outstanding leadership of Mr. Andrew Brown, director of bands; Mr. Jonathan Burbank, associate director of bands and director of percussion/world music; and Ms. Tracy Smith, director of color guard; and

 

Whereas, the success of the program is also due in part to the invaluable contributions of a large and dedicated staff, including those supporting at camp, during marching season, and in masterclasses, as well as the countless parent volunteers who have served selflessly through the Blue Crew, meal preparation for one hundred twenty-three students, uniform sewing, dawning of uniforms, chaperoning, and logistical support; and

 

Whereas, the senior class of 2025 has demonstrated leadership, resilience, and excellence across their respective sections and roles, including Andrew Burbank, alto saxophone; Wyatt Branham, bass clarinet; Noah S. Brunson, baritone; Adam Choe, trumpet; Elizabeth DeJesus, flute; Terinee Dozier, color guard; Savannah Gaither, flute; Trinity Hamilton, flute; Chandler Knott, drum major; Ryan Langlois, alto saxophone; Hailey Loibl, color guard and winter guard; Evelyn Ortiz, mellophone; Ashton Pender, percussion; William Van, percussion; Me'Kye Wallace, euphonium; and Algrish Williams Jr., percussion; and

 

Whereas, during the 2024 marching season, the band earned distinguished honors at multiple competitions that included placing First in Class and Highest Overall Music and Percussion scores in the Summerville Moody Tournament of Bands; Second in Class and Highest Overall Music and Percussion scores in the River Bluff Swamp Classic; First in Class, First in Color Guard and Percussion in Class, Highest Overall Music, Highest Overall General Affect, and crowned Grand Champion in the Pride of Pendleton Marching Classic; and

 

Whereas, the Blue Legion earned a spot in the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) 6A state finals. Additionally, the band hosted the SCBDA 2A state finals, showcasing its organizational leadership and community support; and

 

Whereas, during the 2024-2025 Concert Season, the concert band earned a Superior with Distinction rating in Class IV and the wind symphony earned a Superior with Distinction rating in Class VI Masterworks at the Concert Performance Assessment, further affirming the program's musical excellence; and

 

Whereas, thirty-eight students made region band, fourteen students made all-state band, and five students made all-state orchestra, representing the Blue Legion in the Region 3 Honor Band Clinic; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate values the pride that the Blythewood High School marching band has brought to the school and community and looks forward to their future achievements.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Blythewood High School Blue Legion Marching Band, directors, and school officials for a remarkable 2024-2025 season and congratulate them for their outstanding accomplishments.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Matt Sherman, Band Director Andrew Brown, and president of SCBDA, president-elect Dr. Adam Scheuch.

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