Directors Award
It is my pleasure to announce Cayden Evans as the recipient of the 2020 PVMS Directors Award. In every possible way someone can be involved in music, Cayden is enthusiastically there. Concert band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Bonus Band, Summer Youth Band, and Honor Bands. Before COVID hit, Cayden was signed up for tuba lessons and had a solo picked out Solo & Ensemble. Cayden regularly visits me to share the music he has discovered online and histories on various instruments. I'm pretty sure he has taught me more about bizarre instruments than any college class I took. Toward the end of last year, Cayden spent a week in my office composing music anytime he didn't need to be other places. In his natural state, Cayden is a positive, smiley, friendly giant who can palm a sousaphone and lift it over his shoulder with one arm.
Keep that curious spirit alive, Cayden! We are happy to have you as part of the #BandFamily.
Band Booster Scholarships
John Philip Sousa Award
When it came to the John Philip Sousa Award for 2020, there could be no question: Ray Johnson.
Ray is Mr. Paint Valley Band. A legacy band member, Ray has been involved in the Paint Valley Band program since before he could even be in band. And once he got into the band program, it did not take long for Ray to become foundational, especially in recruiting for marching band. Ray has held sectionals, written drill, conducted the middle school band, played in every PV ensemble, arranged music for us, flat out purchased music for the marching band, negotiated contracts on behalf of the band, played in University, district, and county honor bands, envisioned, planned, executed band pep rallies, and so much more. Clearly, Ray does anything but the minimum. That whole time, managing a full class load at OUC (Band is is only class at PV) and working nearly if not entirely full time at the DQ in town. Ray's affection to the program is unquestionable and his efforts for personal and group success unparalleled. Normally, I would encourage Ray to come back and stay in band, but I am dead certain that is unnecessary. Paint Valley, band, and music are infused into his very makeup. I look forward to all that Ray will certainly accomplish.
Please join me in congratulating Ray Johnson, winner of the 2020 Paint Valley John Philip Sousa Award!
Ray will be attending Ohio State University next year to study music education and performance. I am certain he will also be a member of TBDBITL and represent Paint Valley long to come.