Spring Concert 2026
May 12th, 2026
Joshua Light - Director of Bands
Jacob Ross - Student Teacher
A few reminders before we begin...
- Please silence or turn off your devices while groups are performing.
- Please do not talk or create distractions during performances.
- Please enter, exit, or move about the venue only during stage changes or between selections.
- Please visit our silent auction during stage changes
- Please stay for the entire concert.
- If your small child becomes unruly, please remove them from the concert until their favorite piece is played!!
Program Notes
Prophesy
Sean O'Loughlin
Prophesy is a dynamic piece for concert band that reflects the composer's love for the movies. The music is dramatic and powerful, yet flowing and soaring at the same time. Although he had no specific story in mind, the composer invites the listener and performer alike to come up with their own ideas. The definition of prophesy is to foretell, or "reveal by divine inspiration" an occurrence before it happens. The music in this piece represents the ideas that come to mind when the word "prophesy" is heard.
Synthesis
Brian Balmages
This bold fanfare uses comfortable ranges, yet achieves moments of great power, harmonic intricacy and excitement. The opening features massive percussion along with dialogues between brass and woodwinds. As the celebration ensues, rhythm becomes the focus and melodic ideas dance around.
Presidential Suite
Michael Oare
- Mount Vernon 2. Monticello 3. Montpelier
Using a suite format, this work focuses on three of our country's founding fathers. The first movement, Mount Vernon, is a serene musical impression of the home of George Washington. Monticello is the second movement and portrays the stately musical style of Thomas Jefferson's time. The suite concludes with Montpelier, the home of James Madison, and uses bold and majestic motifs to portray the broad and magnificent landscape of Madison's estate.
Torch of Liberty
Karl King / arr. James Swearingen
Karl L. King was a master of writing tuneful marches that are playable, yet "meaty" enough for advanced bands. James Swearingen's effective adaptation of this superb march assures the band will know the thrill of playing a King march, yet keeps the technical aspects within reach.
Fantasmic!
Bruce Healey / arr. Michael Brown
The incredible music from the spectacular nighttime show performed at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios comes to the concert stage. This arrangement features the original themes from the intro and finale of the show. The powerful themes, colorful harmonies, and cinematic orchestrations will leave you breathless and euphoric!
Program Notes
Turbo Scramjet
William Pitts
Turbo Scramjet is named for an experimental engine developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A ramjet, sometimes referred to as a stovepipe jet, or an athodyd, is a form of jet engine using the engine's forward motion to compress incoming air. Ramjets therefore require forward motion through the air to produce thrust. A scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) is a variation of a ramjet distinguished by supersonic combustion. Projections for the top speed of a scramjet engine (without additional oxidizer input) vary between Mach 12 and Mach 24 (orbital velocity). Usable dynamic pressures lie in the range 20 to 200 kPa, where q=pv2 where q is the dynamic pressure of the gas, p (rho) is the density of the gas, and v is the velocity of the gas. It's not really like I know what any of that means, but I just thought Turbo Scramjet would be a great name for a piece. Scramjets are both fast and extremely unpredictable, and I wanted to incorporate these characteristics into the music. The entire piece is based on the five-note Lydian scale that is played throughout the canonic opening. The driving nature of the rhythm is relentless and, in many spots, unstable. The use of shifting meters as well as random syncopated rhythms makes it difficult to tap one's foot through the whole piece. As soon as there is any feeling of stability, the strain disintegrates with either a unison rest, or a quarter rest spaced differently through each voice. After this opening, the middle section is more subdued and focuses on the calm experienced during a smooth flight. The call and response relationships throughout the ensemble are still free flowing, but are focused on counterpoint rather than rhythmic drive. Eventually, all parts remerge and the rhythmic drive returns. After the gradual build to the climax, the momentum relents until the final punch.
Glorious Revolution
Robert Sheldon
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a turning point in British history, when King James II was overthrown without much bloodshed and replaced by William III and Mary II. The revolution was driven by widespread concern over James' Catholic faith and his efforts to centralize power, which clashed with the predominantly Protestant nation and Parliament's desire to limit royal authority. The result was a shift towards a constitutional monarchy, where the power of the crown was checked by Parliament. This transition helped shape the democratic principles and rule of law that are still central to British governance today. Beyond its immediate impact, the Glorious Revolution had far-reaching consequences. It not only secured Protestant succession to the throne but also set a precedent for the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy. The Bill of Rights of 1689, which followed the revolution, enshrined key rights and liberties, including the right to a fair trial and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. These changes influenced political thought across Europe and the American colonies, contributing to the development of modern democratic systems. The Glorious Revolution is thus remembered not just as a shift in power, but as a foundation for the principles of constitutional governance that would resonate around the world.
King Cotton
John Phillip Sousa
“King Cotton” was composed at a time when cotton was “king” and extremely important to the country’s economy. The Sousa Band had been hired to perform for three weeks at the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895 in Atlanta. The Exposition was turning into a huge financial disaster, but when word got around that Sousa and his band were to perform, attendance started to improve. Atlanta was grateful for the success bestowed upon their event by Sousa’s appearance. “King Cotton” was one of his personal favorites and has secured its place as one of his more popular marches.
The Ascension
Robert W. Smith
The Ascension is the third of four movements of The Divine Comedy. The movement begins with Dante on the Mountain of Purgatory. Having been instructed and purified in Purgatory, he is prepared for his journey to Paradise. Beatrice, his guide, lifts her eyes toward the sun. Following her example, Dante looks to the sun and is at the moment transformed ("trans-humanized") in preparation for his great adventure. He is surprised to discover wonderful music, the music of the spheres, surrounding them. Swifter than thought, their flight of incredible speed begins. Dante and Beatrice, accompanied by sounds of wondrous beauty and intensity, ascent to the Sphere of Fire.
Shine On Me
Erin Keeton-Howard
"Shine On Me" was a collaborative effort using a melodic idea I had been saving combined with the vision of the Eisenhower School Band under the direction of Nicole Finkle. The opening melody represents the feeling you get when deep in conversation with good people, and you feel truly seen and known. Alternatively, it also represents the physical sensation of warmth on your face when you live in Seattle and the sun finally comes out and shines down after months of rain. The celebration section captures the joy of community and belonging within the band family.
Class of 2026
Alyson Anderson
Drum Major / Clarinet
Parents: Christina Johnson
Drum Major, Wind Ensemble 3 years, Leadership Team 2 years, Jazz Band 4 years, Indoor Percussion (2025)
National Honors Society, Beta Club
TN Promise, UT Promise, UTC Mocs
Plans on attending University of Tennessee Chattanooga and majoring in Psychology
Luke Grainger
Tuba
Parents: Todd and Teresa Grainger
Leadership Team, Wind Ensemble, Junior Clinic
Varsity Lacrosse Team, All Region Team Junior and Senior Year, Captain Senior Year, Beta Club, Hixson UMC Youth Leadership Team
Hope Scholarship, MTSU Presidential Scholarship, UTC Provost's Scholarship, UTK Chancellor's Scholarship, McConnell Scholarship
Plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University Majoring in Aviation to become a commercial pilot
Laura Leamon
Drum Major / Trumpet
Parents: Scott and Ellen Leamon
Drum Major, Band Co-Captain, Leadership Team, Trumpet Section Leader, Wind Ensemble, All County Band
School Records in Track and Field, Homecoming Queen, Distinguished Young Women of River City Runner Up 2025, Church Choir President, Church Youth Leader, Beta Club, National Honor Society
TN Hope Scholarship, Distinguished Young Women
Plans to attend Tennessee Tech University in the fall majoring in Exercise Science with goals of becoming a Physicians Assistant. She also plans to march with the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle Marching Band with hopes of becoming drum major.
Nathaniel Mabry
Tuba
Parents: Joshua and Megan Mabry
Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band (Electric Bass), 1st Alternate All County Band
County Champion 2025 Archery Tournament, Company XO in JROTC, JROTC Special Forces Association Award, Distinguished Cadet Award for Scholastic Excellence in JROTC
Tennessee Tech Presidential Scholarship, GMAS Hope Scholarship, UTC Chancellor Scholarship, UTM Chancellor Scholarship
Plans to attend Tennessee Tech University in the fall majoring in Computer Engineering with hopes of working for TVA
Lila McCuiston
Drum Major / Percussion
Parents: Andy and Karen McCuiston
Wind Ensemble, Indoor Percussion 2 years Marching Band 4 years
Chattanooga Girls Choir 10 years, Church Youth Group, TIME Program
Governors Merit Scholarship, Alumni Legacy Scholarship, Home and Promise Scholarships, Academic Scholarship UT Martin
Plans to attend Austin Peay in the fall and major in Marketing with hopes to work for Disney. She will also be playing with the Austin Peay Governor's Own Marching Band in the fall.
Nick McCullar
Saxophone
Parents: Candice and Roger Bean
Wind Ensemble, All-East Band, All County Band, Leadership Team, Marching Band 4 years
Vice President of National Honors Society, Beta Club, Top 10 of Class of 2026
Volunteer Scholarship, Hope Scholarship, Chancellors Honors Program
Plans to attend University of Tennessee Knoxville and major in Nuclear Engineering
Benjamin McKnight
Percussion
Parents: Jeffrey and Audrea McKnight
Wind Ensemble, Leadership Team, Drum Captain, Marching Band 4 years, Indoor Percussion 2 years, Jazz Band, All County Band (2 years), All East Band
31+ ACT Club, Boys Doubles Region Runner Up in Tennis
Presidential Scholarship, TN Hope Scholarship, TTU Music Scholarship, TSAA Grant, Federal Pell Grant
Plans to attend Tennessee Tech University and major in Music Education. He will be marching next fall with the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle Marching Band!
Savannah Orman
Flute
Parents: Andrew Orman
Band Leadership Team, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band 4 years, Jazz Band, All East, All County
Top 10%, National Honor Society, Beta Club
Tennessee Tech Presidential Scholarship, UTC Scholarship, Lee Scholarship, Hope Scholarship, MTSU Scholarship
Plans to attend University of Tennessee Chattanooga and major in Political Science for Public Law.
Maddox Painter
Saxophone
Parents: Jeremy and Starla Painter
Band Captain, Band Leadership Team, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Director's Award, All-East, All-East Jazz, All County (1st Chair)
Hope Scholarships, Chancellor's Scholarship
Plans to attend University of Tennessee Chattanooga in the fall majoring in Environmental Science
Georgia Polzin
Guard
Parents: Cassie Griffin and Jimmy Kester
Guard 4 years, 2 years with Soddy Daisy. Leadership Team, Winterguard
Underclassmen Award for the Fine Arts
Federal Pell Grant, Hope Scholarship, UT Promise Scholarship, UT Volunteer Scholarship
Plans to attend University of Tennessee Knoxville in the fall majoring in Biomedical Engineering
Natalie Rathman
Clarinet
Parents: Ken and Joy Rathman
Leadership Team 2 years, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band
Beta Club 2 years, NHS, Honors 4 years
Hope Scholarship, Non-Music Major Band Scholarship, Tn Tech Scholarship
Plans to attend Tennessee Technological University in the fall majoring in Elementary Education. She will be a marching with the Golden Eagle Marching Band this fall.
Emma Kate Reece
Guard
Parents: Jimmy and Lindsay Reece
Marching Band 4 years, Winterguard 3 years, Dance Solo 2024
ROTC Charlie company commander 2024/25, ROTC Deputy S3 Staff Officer 2025/26
Hope Scholarship
Plans to attend John A Guptan to major in Mortuary Science with plans on becoming a mortician
Addy Williams
Tuba
Parents: Tim and Haley Williams
Brass Co-Captain, Leadership Team 3 years, All-East 2025, All County Band
Choir Section Leader, Beta Club, NHS
Tennessee TSAA Award, UTC Chancellors Scholarship, TN Hope Scholarship, UT Promise , Lee University Presidential Scholarship
Plans to attend University of Tennessee Chattanooga in the fall and major in Occupational Therapy
Special Thanks to all the Soddy-Daisy HS Band Boosters/Parents who help to make our events such a success!! We also want to send out a special thanks to our Administration at Soddy Daisy HS for your wonderful support of our program.
Principal: Angie Cass
Assistant Principals: Jared Hensley, Dawn Lim, Meghan Moss, Jill Landtroop
Thanks go out to our supportive Middle School Band Directors; at Loftis Middle School, Mr. Drew Daniels, and at Soddy-Daisy Middle School, Mr. Joshua Bloodworth. We also want to thank our staff members Michael Creasman and Travis Williams (Percussion Directors) and Tia Anderson and Carrie Williams (Colorguard Directors).
We hope you enjoyed tonight's concert!
You can check out all upcoming events and the latest news from the Soddy-Daisy HS Band on our website at www.sdhsband.org. Please Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!!