My husband and I have lived in Troy for 25 years now and have raised two children here. Recently we witnessed even more reasons that we are proud to call Troy home.

Two weeks ago we attended the Troy City Schools Spring Band/Choral Concert at Wagoner Hall, and I came away ecstatic about our music program at Charles Henderson; however, I must say that Tuesday night even topped that performance. Mr. Jimmy Oliver, band director at Pike County High School, apparently had the idea to have a kind of student jazz jamboree. So, with the teamwork of Trent Burkett (Band Director at CHHS) and Amanda Ford (Band Director at CHMS), they put on a fabulous night of jazz entertainment at The Studio downtown.

Each jazz band played several tunes, and then the combined group played a number with guest soloist Tony Hawthorne. Not only were the bands excellent, but student soloists “Zeke” Nonnenmann, Di’Etrick Flowers, Patrick Jackson, Alec Collins, and Michael Brinson showed what amazing student talent we have right here in Pike County. I hope that next year, they can move to a larger location and more members of our community will come enjoy it.

Parents, take advantage of the talented musicians teaching our children here. In addition to the band directors mentioned above, Kathy Lightfoot and Doc Kirby bring additional expertise to the CHHS music programs.

I am convinced that music trains the brain in a way that nothing else can. There must be a reason that the majority of the PRAISE Award winners for the top ACT score in the county for nearly the last ten years have been musicians!

I would like to publically thank the teachers and musicians involved in Tuesday’s performance for all of your hard work, patience, and professionalism in working with our students. Without you, music would be just one generation from dying out; and without music, the world would be dreadful.

Karla Johnson

Troy