As we approach the end of the marching season, it is hard to say goodbye to the seniors we have become close with. It can be hard to leave the school and sports you have become accustomed to. This year, the Fredericktown Marching Band is saying goodbye to three beloved seniors: Ethan Vance, Abbygale Roach, and Owen Henson. Although saying goodbye is bittersweet, we want to look at the memories we have and will continue to make before the year is up.
Abbygale Roach is our only senior in Colorguard. Abby has been a cheerleader for a couple of years and has always been drawn to the flags on the field during halftime. For her senior year, she made the jump and decided to join the team; and she is loving every minute of it. It was not just the flags she was drawn to, but the guitar as well. Although this is her first year on guard, it’s not her last! She plans to go to college and continue to do Cheer and Colorguard. Despite her disability, Abby continues to show up and show out in everything she puts her mind to. Abby would like to thank her fans for their unconditional support in her Colorguard and Cheer endeavors, she will miss you all very much!
Next up, our only senior percussionist is Owen Henson. He has been an active member of various band for six years. His first encounter with a drum set was when he was young: “I grew up always playing drums; I had a drum set as a kid.” Owen’s best memories in band were lived out during his freshmen year. He says the upperclassmen that year became some of his best friends and people he looked up to. For the 2024 season, he is proud to have been given the honor and responsibility of leading the percussion section. Sadly, he does not plan on continuing band after High School and will miss playing the snare drum. He holds the memories he has made during band close to him, and the crowds hope to see him again during alumni night.
Ethan Vance is our last senior in Marching Band, playing the Alto Saxophone. He has participated in various band for 7 years. “I was drawn to the saxophone when I was a kid because I thought it sounded cool and jazzy.” If he could go back in time, Ethan would relive his freshman and sophomore years in band because of the friends he made. This season was more enjoyable for him because of the band’s drive to compete for the second year in a row. Ethan will miss Mrs. Leo when he leaves high school because she is ‘The GOAT.’ When he graduates, he plans to go to college and play in concert band rather than marching band.
Before we know it, May will be approaching us along with graduation. Colleges will be calling their names as they depart and leave the nest. Each one of these seniors will hold a special place in our hearts and the band community. As they head into their futures we will never forget the lasting friendships and impact they have made on us all. Although Marching season is over you still have a chance to see these talented individuals. Upcoming events include the Veteran’s Day Parade, Miricale’s on Main Street Parade, the annual Christmas Concert on December 19th, and much more after. We are so thankful for the memories made with Ethan, Abby, and Owen, and are excited to see what they become.
