With their high school band career coming to an end, the band seniors thought they should give a parting gift to band director Garrett Stannard as a testament to their appreciation of the opportunities and knowledge he has given them.
Although they started as rumblings, the idea of building Stannard a snare drum came into full effect just a few months ago. Once hardware had been purchased, the seniors got to work. They used their combined efforts to create a drum that matches the material and finish of Stannard’s personal drumset. The drum will not only be a great acoustic addition to his drum set but it will also look like it fits right in.
The seniors (Ripley Cunningham, Ian Merriman, Curran Devine, Augie Stern, Brinley Halland, Liam Waldron, Liam Gravely, Landess and MacKenna O’dea, Morgan Sites, Oliver Webb, and Lusciene Homer) spent many hours making sure that the 14.5×5.5” snare drum was in perfect condition. They strategically drilled port holes for acoustic perfection and sanded the drum to its smoothest self to perfect the feeling and strength of the drum.
After waiting for many more weeks, the final band concert rolled around. At the concert the seniors decided to wait until the very end to give Stannard his new snare drum. Brinley Halland introduced the group and their endeavors and then handed the drum to Stannard.
The band director immediately expressed his appreciation for the gift, making for an emotional scene in which all had trouble holding back their tears. Stannard said himself that “this was one of the most thoughtful and creative gifts I have ever seen from a senior class and this group of kids are truly talented and destined to do great things.”
With their exit they only inspire and make way for new talented groups to emerge.