New equipment for Blackwell band

July 31, 2020

Christmas came in July for the Blackwell High School Band.

Band Director J. Wayne Hudson was able to purchase new drums and other equipment for the band thanks to funding from the K-UP (Kay Electric Community Foundation) grant.

"With the support of the foundation, I was able to purchase additional drums to accommodate the increased high school band enrollment,” he said. “The grant enabled me to purchase a new frame for the school’s 30-plus-year-old vibraphone, keeping it in good condition and saving several thousand dollars in the future. It's very exciting to have a need for more instruments because the program is growing."

Rehearsals with the full band will begin Aug. 3 at 6 p.m.

Melissa Hudson will begin her 22nd year directing the color guard. Under her direction, guard members have earned Superior ratings at the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association in solo and small ensemble contests. They have been awarded the “Outstanding Guard” award at numerous marching band contests and have twice been named Oklahoma State Fair Champions.

Any students interested in trying out for the color guard are welcome to come to the high school band room for practices. No previous experience is necessary, Hudson said. The band room is in the high school auditorium at 303 E. Coolidge Ave.