Press release
BUCYRUS – The annual Bucyrus High School Band Awards Night ceremony was held in the Bucyrus Secondary School Commons May 11. The awards, sponsored by the Bucyrus Band Parents and hosted by Director Mark D. Fiske, serve to recognize the leadership, discipline, and tenacity of Bucyrus band members and the support of their families.
More than 82% of Concert Band and/or Marching Band members earned a letter based on their efforts to earn a 95% average grade on a series of rigorous music checks if a member of one band, or a 90% average grade if a member of both Concert and Marching Bands. Over 66% of Xband members earned a letter for achieving a 95% music check average.
“These marks represent and measure a band member’s individual efforts toward preparation for public performances,” said Fiske. “I’m very proud of all the band members for the work and dedication they commit towards the instrumental music groups at BHS.”
A small group of band members were recognized for their dedication to the district’s instrumental music programs through performance assessments in either Concert Band, Marching Band, or Xband for each year of their entire high school careers, qualifying for a letter in each of their 4 years in high school. These students include: Haley Adams, Mariah Candel, Mason Kent, Alexx Moore, Bailey Plumley, Nessee Rittenberry, Kayleigh Seiber, Baylee Wilson and Megan Zimmerman.
“This senior class was filled with musicians who truly enjoy playing music,” said Fiske. “Their dedication to the instrumental music was outstanding, and will be missed.”
The final award presentation was for the 2017 Arion Award. The Arion Award is presented in high schools across the country to outstanding senior musicians in orchestras, choirs, and bands. Candidates from Bucyrus High School must be enrolled in band for all four years of high school, and for both semesters their senior year, and recipients are elected by their peers. Mason Kent was the 2017 Arion Award recipient.
“I want to thank not only Mr. Fiske and Mr. (Greg) Shifley for their outstanding leadership of our instrumental music groups, but I also want to thank the students for their dedication and commitment to showing the importance of the arts in schools,” said Superintendent Kevin Kimmel. “Our Board of Education and administration stand committed to providing a diverse offering of both visual and performing arts for our students at all grade levels.”