As the director of the high school band I have the privilege of working with some of the best, brightest, and most well rounded students Benton Community has to offer, those of course being the band students.
Looking around the school you will see band students in nearly every organization. Approximately 80% of band students are in some other fine art (choir, drama, speech, art). Perhaps this statistic doesn’t impress you as band students are obviously interested in the fine arts, so let’s move on to other organizations. Band students don’t like sports, right? Wrong! 70% of band students are involved in athletics, with several band members being captains of their sport. Band students also challenge themselves academically as 60% of them are taking at least one college class at the moment. Over 30% of the ensemble currently plans on getting either a silver cord for volunteerism, or a red cord for blood donation upon graduation. And lastly 10% of band students are involved in each of the following organizations: FFA or 4-H, Student Council or National Honor Society, or are service learners for various teachers in the school.
Outside of the school building I find it worth noting that 50% of band students work a part-time job. Adding this on top of their already full schedules is most impressive.
In summary, Benton band students are not only great musicians, but they are simply great people. To give you one last statistic 50% of band students reported being in at least 5 of the above mentioned organizations, and we didn’t even include band. These are highly involved students that have made my introduction to Benton Community a super positive experience, and for that I thank them.
If you would like to see the band or choir in action, please join us for one of our upcoming performances:
December 7: Madrigal dinner (select high school band and vocal students)
December 10: Pep band performance during varsity basketball game
December 11: Middle school band and vocal concert
December 15: High school vocal concert
December 16: High school band concert
December 18: Holiday JAVA (Show choir, jazz band, and small variety acts)
December 20: Pep band performance during varsity basketball game, and alumni night