Flagstaff High School

A Final Farewell: Seniors Say Goodbye to Marching Band

Samantha Kelly

The Flagstaff High School Band and Color Guard recently had a sendoff for senior members during the half-time performance at the last school football game against Coconino High School. During this goodbye, senior members bring family and friends down onto the football field with them for a specialized recognition and to take pictures. Most importantly, each senior receives a candle that will be lit at the last concert they perform. 

This signifies an end of a chapter for many musicians and performers. During this celebration, Olivia Umphrey, was accompanied by both her parents and her older brother. In an interview, she stated “honestly, it's so bittersweet.”  She expressed that while she was happy with her time in the lower brass section of the marching band, she was also very excited for the concert season. 

Brendan Skelton, a senior in the band, described the whole event as melancholy. He went on to state, “it never feels like it's over until it's gone, and it's only then that you miss it.” He was accompanied by his mom, dad, and his future sister-in-law on the field. He concluded his reflection of the night by saying he was excited to be concluding this era in his life, welcoming whatever is next to come.

While marching band has concluded there is still a lot more to look forward to with the FHS band. This celebration signifies the beginning of concert band season. Some band members will also be preparing for regional auditions. The next performance by this band will be the Christmas concert, which they are currently preparing for. More information on upcoming performances should be out in the coming weeks.

Link back to The Talon 6th Edition