Three S-C Band Students Accept Scholarships to Missouri State

Three Smith-Cotton High School band students on Monday accepted scholarships to perform with The Pride Marching Band at Missouri State University in Springfield.

Sydny Kocsis, flute, also will play with the MSU concert band. Her S-C career highlights include serving as the flute section leader and earning three varsity letters in band; district third chair honor band; district fifth chair honor band; district fifth chair honorable mention band; district ninth chair honorable mention band; 1 rating at state solo and small ensemble; three 2 ratings at state and small ensemble; and bronze at state solo and small ensemble.

S-C Director of Bands Grant Maledy said: “Sydny is an outstanding flautist who works diligently to improve herself. She is a frequent soloist with our program and has made the most of her time here at S-C."

Joe Snelling, baritone, is a three-time varsity letter winner for band and served as the baritone section leader. He is a four-time member of the All-District Jazz band and a two-time member of University of Missouri-Kansas City Honor Band.

Maledy said: “Joe is a great trombone and baritone player for us. He has been a soloist for us and never disappoints."

Allan Lefevers has played clarinet in S-C bands all four years of high school. “Allan is the definition of a quiet professional,” Maledy said. “He is always looking for ways to help make the band better and steps up when others falter."

In attendance for the signings was Missouri State Director of Athletic Bands and Director of The Pride Marching Band Dr. Brad Snow. This is the third consecutive year he has come to Sedalia for a signing day for band students.

“It seems like this signing event gains a little more traction every year. We want these students to know that we think what they are about to do is just as big of a deal as someone who is moving to the next level in athletics,” Snow said. “That’s what keeps me coming back; I want them to know I recognize the commitment they put in to get them to this point but also the commitment they are going to put in over the next four years.

Snow sees plenty of positives ahead for Kocsis, Snelling and Lefevers.
“I think they all are going to have a wonderful musical experience,” he said. “They’re all really solid players and beyond that, they are really good people. That is the kind of person we want to be part of the Missouri State Pride Band.”

In the photo: Smith-Cotton High School band students, seated from left, Allan Lefevers, Sydny Kocsis and Joseph Snelling, on Monday, April 22, accepted scholarships to perform with the Missouri State University Pride Marching Band. Behind them are Missouri State Director of Athletic Bands and Director of The Pride Marching Band Dr. Brad Snow, left, and Smith-Cotton High Director of Bands Grant Maledy.