Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wimberly, Band Cook At Banquet Friday Night At GHS

Things were hopping at the Gurdon High School cafetorium when the band banquet took center stage Friday, May 14.

Band Director Alan Wimberly is never shy when it comes to praising the band, and this night was no different. He also isn't shy about having the band play at the drop of a hat.

Wimberly made sure the mood was kept light as he joked with the students and audience on this festive occasion.

When the eating was done, he had the junior jazz band begin playing, starting with Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild," a difficult tune at best, following this with Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," and the "Woodchopper's Ball."

At times, Wimberly's son, Garrison, was on stage helping dad direct the band, only to run off when dad asked for further assistance.

The final selection played was the classic "Louie, Louie." As the tune wound down, Wimberly begin soloing on the clarinet, only to have the rest of the band leave him alone on stage.

Those gathered for the event laughed at this well-planned exit.

Then it was award time, with the first honor going to someone who didn't play a single note for the band. Peggy Cox, the retiring lunchroom supervisor, was presented a plaque for being the best kitchen coordinator and as cook of the year.

Austin and Mary Lou Capps were recognized for their support of the band program, with Loyd Perry accepting an award for the Rotary Club's work on behalf of the band.

Charles and Anita Cabe were presented with a piece of African art in appreciation for their support of the program.

Wimberly then recognized the band for its accomplishments during the year, presenting members of the jazz band with patches, while those in the marching band were also given.

The band, he said, participated in three contests, ending the season with an unprecedented perfect season as the band scored all 1's in each of the three battles.

He lauded the band boosters for their tireless work in helping promote the band, including getting some of the members private lessons.

Each member of the band was given a participation award, and all but the seniors were given certificates. The five seniors were presented plaques.

Much fun was had with the student choice awards, as members of the band made their picks in the categories of outstanding woodwind, outstanding percussion, outstanding brass, most prepared, most humorous, most beautiful, most handsome, most loquacious, band flirt, most likely to be a band director, most likely to be a professional musician, most likely to be president, most friendly, most athletic, most likely to be a standup comedian, most likely to succeed, best marcher, best attitude and most likely to practice.

Two were named to the band wall of fame. Jerry Don Childers accepted a posthumous service award for Wanda Sue Brown, a former band director at GHS, while Dr. and Mrs. George Peeples accepted the alumnus award for their daughter, Georgia.

Then came the big student awards. Rebecca Giles was given the International Paper award for Cabe Middle School, with Mary Lee taking it for GHS.

First State Bank's Outstanding Musician award went to Josh Mosely in high school and Brad Weems at CMS.

A new award, the Big Star Jazz Award, was presented to Andrew Wilson.

Wimberly closed the festivities saying he's been working with the greatest students, parents and boosters around, with their efforts making his job easier.

"This is the best band I've ever taught."