Local bands maintain tradition by earning superior ratings

March has certainly been busy for the Grady County Band program as they culminated efforts through students, staff and parents for Band Festival 2014. The Festival was again hosted at Cairo High School and as the event concluded, our Grady County Bands had indeed received high honors from the Georgia Music Educators judges.
The Whigham 7th & 8th grade band under the direction of Brad Moore and the Washington 7th & 8th grade band under the direction of Pat Ballew both received top Superior ratings. The Shiver middle school bands performed for an earlier review as their director Mrs. Amaro was expecting the birth of her daughter Alli.
In what has become an enviable record, the Cairo High School 9th & 10th grade band and the Cairo High 11th & 12th grade Symphony Band, both under the direction of Michael Thomas, received Superior Ratings on stage and sight-reading, as well. According to Thomas, “Our bands at CHS have amassed over 80 Superior performance awards that date back from 1946 to the present. What a tremendous accomplishment attributable to student musicians, first class directors and a caring community.
“It’s always good to successfully complete this major goal knowing this is never an easy thing to accomplish, in fact, it’s getting more demanding every year.
“This concludes what is essentially our most important test of this school year” said Michael Thomas – Director of Bands at Cairo High School. “I am proud of all of our students throughout the extended band family. Plus, I want to add my special ‘thank you’ to Amy Amaro – Director at Shiver,  Patrick Ballew – Director at Washington and Brad Moore – Director at Whigham. I would add my continual appreciation to the staff and administration of CHS and a very special tip of the hat to Mr. Joe David, Director Emeritus, Cairo High School for his support and encouragement. All of the parent support and fine student work made hosting Festival 2014 a huge success for all of the 38 bands attending. The judges were certainly impressed with the musicality of our program, plus they just couldn’t say enough ‘Thank You’s’ to our supporting parents who hosted the event and displayed true hospitality. We may now turn our musical attention toward Spring Concerts and Solo & Ensemble. I also have the priority of recruiting our fine 8th grade instrumental musicians in as members of the CHS Syrupmaker Band. I want to assure each of these outstanding players that we have a special place for you in the CHS Band and look forward to your becoming our newest members.
“With Pride We Give Our Best!”