Loachapoka high band brings music back

When the Loachapoka High School band performs its Spring Awards Concert today, they’ll be bringing music back to a program that sat silent just a year ago, according to first-year band director Shane Colquhoun.

When he arrived on campus, Colquhoun was handed a list of about 16 LHS band students. Of that, only two opted to participate in the new band.

While there are several possible reasons for the program’s decline recently, Colquhoun has chosen to concentrate on rebuilding his band’s ranks instead of levying blame.

“More senior students bring experience to the band program, but my focus in building up the ranks of band was to focus on younger students with the idea of brining new energy to the program as well as ensuring its longevity,” Colquhoun said.

The difficulties faced by the 47-member band — the largest it’s been since 2005 — have only made it stronger, Colquhoun said.

“For me, this Spring Awards Concert is like the rebirth of the band,” said Colquhoun. “Right now the kids are playing at their best, and it’s really exciting for me as band director to reach this milestone in my career.”

Spring Awards Concert

When: Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m.
Where: Loachapoka High School (cafeteria), 685 Lee Road 61
The concert is free and the public is encouraged to attend.