Demir Bulut, an exchange student from Turkey, was given a cymbal signed by the rest of the concert band at the Greene County High School music department’s annual Awards Concert Tuesday.
Classmate Jordan Davis made the presentation, noting that Bulut had stepped in and “guided the percussion section responsibly,” and that he proved to be an excellent cymbal player.
Band director Wes Anderson credited Bulut with teaching him an important lesson that “band is family.” Early in the school year, Anderson had fed the marching band supper. Bulut wrote that phrase on a used paper plate and taped it to the door. “That’s really stayed with me. It’s the first time I’ve really felt the band was a family, and we are,” Anderson said.
Bulut lives with Oscar and Marla Orfield in Jefferson.
All seniors in the music department were recognized. Davis received the Director’s Award. She auditioned for the All-State Festival, played in various honor bands, and was drum major two years. She plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa and major in music education.
Linsey Kitt received the Lions Club Arion Award for instrumental music. A duet she was half of earned Best of Center honors at the state solo and ensemble contest last year. She auditioned for the All-State Festival and was selected for the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA) honor band. She plans to major in physics and computer science at Iowa State University.
Samantha Behne received the Directors Award for choir. Director Dave Heupel noted her “great attitude” as he presented the award. She is a four-year member of the Jazzatonics and auditioned for the All-State Choir. She plans to attend UNI and study elementary education.
Arthur Bardole was presented the Lions Club Aron Award for vocal music. He also is a four-year member of the Jazzatonics and a member of a madrigal group selected for Best of Center honors. He plans to study animal ecology at Iowa State University.
The concert band, treble choir and mixed choir performed the music they prepared for the Iowa High School Music Association’s large group contest last Friday. All three groups were given Division II ratings.
The band and choirs will present a pops concert, “A Tribute to Queen,” Tuesday, May 14, at 8 pm at the high school auditorium. The concert is rescheduled from a winter date that was postponed due to weather. The 7-8 grade band will present a rescheduled winter concert that same evening at 6:30 pm in the middle school gym.
