The Whittle Springs Middle School band recently competed in the TSSBDA Concert Festival. It was held at Union County High School in Maynardville. The band received an Excellent (II) rating. It performed “Celebration Overture” by James Swearingen and “Afterburn” by Randall Standridge.
Kevin Ross is the director of this group and indicated that he was happy with the group’s progress. He stated that “this is a group who is made up in the majority by first-year musicians.”
Kevin Ross
Ross said he is very proud of his student musicians and their hard work this year, and that it was amazing, after the ravages of Covid-19, that the band was able to compete. He noted the judge’s comments were very helpful. This is Ross’s final year with WSMS, he is retiring from full-time teaching at the end of the academic year.
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The Whittle Springs Middle School Band was recently given a $2,500 grant from the Guitar Center Foundation. This money was given to improve outdated equipment, which was badly needed. Director Ross said he was allowed to purchase whatever was most needed with the grant.
The band purchased a portable sound system, new microphones with stands, an electric bass with amplifier, acoustic guitars, ukuleles, a clarinet and flute. As Ross is retiring this year, the use of these materials will fall to next director. Ross said he would like to thank Guitar Center Foundation and Juan Jimenez, who expedited the grant at all points.
