Four Smith-Cotton Band Students Sign With UCM

Four Smith-Cotton High School band students on Tuesday, April 23, accepted scholarships to perform with marching and concert bands at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

Michylah Hawkins has served as the baritone section leader and was drum major for the S-C Tiger Pride Marching Band for the past two years. She earned four varsity letters in band and received 2 ratings twice (2016, 2017) and a silver rating once (2018) at the state solo and small ensemble competition. She also was the first student representative to the Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education and was on the Marketing/Communications team for Team SCREAM, S-C’s competitive robotics program. S-C Director of Bands Grant Maledy said, “Michylah is an outstanding student leader who will be an asset to UCM."

Trumpet player Logan Goodwin earned a 1 rating on solo (2018) at state solo and small ensemble; 2 rating on solo (2017, 2019) at state solo and small ensemble; 10th chair, district honorable mention band (2018); and first alternate, honorable mention band (2019). Maledy said Goodwin “is a strong trumpet player who loves music."

Jove Labille, saxophone, is a varsity letter winner and four-year member of jazz band, marching band, concert band, and performed with the indoor winds group for two years. He received a 2 rating on his solo (2017) at the state solo and small ensemble. Maledy said, "Jove is a dedicated saxophone player who always makes times to play."

Clarinet player Logan Grey has been a member of the marching and concert bands for four years, earning three varsity letters. He played two years with the indoor winds group. He earned a satisfactory rating on his clarinet solo (2018) and a satisfactory rating for clarinet trio (2017). Maledy said Grey “is a strong leader in his section, helping younger students feel at ease and play better."

In attendance for the signings was UCM Director of Bands Dr. Anthony Pursell. He has found something special in the S-C band program.

“A lot of times when we go out to see students, a lot of them play very well,” Pursell said. “What has really attracted me to Smith-Cotton is not only their talent but their work

In the photo: Smith-Cotton High School band students, seated from left, Logan Grey, Michylah Hawkins, Logan Goodwin and Jove Labille, on Tuesday, April 23, accepted scholarships to perform with the University of Central Missouri bands. Behind them are Smith-Cotton High Director of Bands Grant Maledy and UCM Director of Bands Dr. Anthony Pursell.