Uniting Through Music: The Heartfelt Celebration of the Clinton County Band Festival
By Autumn Gavlock
FARWELL-On Tuesday, March 11, the Bucktail Area Middle/High School gymnasium was filled with the powerful sounds of student musicians from across Clinton County, as they came together for the 2025 Clinton County Band Festival. Directed by Brandon Kahley of Bucktail Area Middle/High School, Ashley Crust of Central Mountain Middle/High School, and Joseph Mauck of Sugar Valley Rural Charter School, the two-day event concluded Tuesday in a spectacular Combined Ensemble Performance Concert that showcased the talent and dedication of these young performers.
The concert began at 6:30 p.m. with a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, directed by Brandon Kahley, composed by John Stafford Smith and arranged by Steve Selfridge. The performance was a fitting start to an evening of remarkable music, with the audience standing in applause, proud to support these young musicians.
Next on the program was Variation Overture, composed by Clifton Williams and conducted by Mr. Mauck. The piece, described as “whimsical” and “joyful,” evoked the playful sounds of a carousel, delighting the audience with its lively melody and lighthearted spirit. The energetic rhythms and colorful orchestration set a vibrant tone for the evening. “It’s been such a pleasure to come to Renovo and work alongside the other directors in our district. It’s a wonderful way to collaborate toward a common goal—bringing these students together and presenting them with music that challenges them at a higher level than they’re used to. This experience gives them the opportunity to grow and become better musicians.” stated Mauck.
Following this was Nostalgia, composed by Rossano Galante, a deeply moving piece that captured the bittersweet emotions of longing for a time or place associated with happy memories. Mr. Kahley, who conducted this selection, described it as a piece that resonated deeply with both the performers and the audience. The soft, sweeping melodies drew listeners into a reflective state, as the music conveyed a sense of yearning for the past, evoking both warmth and wistfulness.
The next piece, The Message on the Rock, directed by Crust, and composed by Robert Sheldon, took the audience on an emotional journey through American history. With a solemn opening military march, the piece transitioned into a quiet section, where Dr. Francis Redmon, Superintendent of the Keystone Central School District, narrated powerful speeches from a rock engraved with battle scenes. A muted trumpet playing Taps underscored the gravity of the moment. The music then surged back into the march, interwoven with patriotic melodies that created an uplifting and dramatic conclusion. “I am so proud of our district musicians for participating in our County Band. This gathering of schools shows how music can draw communities and schools together in such a beautiful way. I am very proud of the work that our students and directors are doing to make this event come together for our community,” said Dr. Redmon.
Mrs. Crust echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s incredible to bring so many students together, from different
schools and backgrounds, and create something as wonderful as what we did in just two days.”
The mood shifted with (NOT) Alone, composed by Randall Standridge. A deeply personal piece, (NOT) Alone gave voice to the struggles of mental health, illustrating the feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Through lyrical melodies and sharp, angular segments, Standridge’s composition conveyed the internal battle faced by many who suffer silently. Mr. Kahley, who conducted the piece, noted, “The students did a remarkable job bringing this challenging work to life. It’s an important message about mental health and the hope of overcoming isolation.”
One of the most exciting moments of the concert came with Africa, composed by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro of the band Toto, and arranged by Jerry Davis. The infectious groove of this iconic song had the audience tapping their feet and swaying in their seats. Featuring a spotlight on the percussion section, this upbeat tune was a crowd favorite. “It’s always fun to see the energy and excitement that Africa brings,” said Mr. Mauck,Director. “It’s a piece that allows the students to shine and have fun while showcasing their talent.”
The concert closed with the rousing Tahoka Galop, composed by William Owens. A lively, circus-themed piece, Tahoka Galop brought the performance to a thrilling finish with its strong melodic lines, colorful harmonies, and dazzling technical passages, especially from the woodwinds. The piece’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy left the audience clapping abundantly. “It’s been a great pleasure to host this year’s festival, but the true privilege has been getting to work with these dedicated young musicians,” said Mr. Kahley, acknowledging the hard work of the students and directors over the past two days.
The audience’s resounding applause after each selection was a testament to the dedication of the musicians and the supportive community that gathered in the gymnasium.
The Clinton County Band Festival provided students with a unique opportunity to perform in a larger-scale ensemble, a rare experience that allowed them to see music from a different perspective. Playing in a larger group not only challenged their technical skills but also taught them how to blend with a wider array of instruments, creating a richer, more complex sound. The experience was described as invaluable for young musicians, offering them growth beyond their regular band settings. “I like how we get to work with different directors and take those lessons back to our own bands,” said Cooper Shade, a 9th grader from Sugar Valley Rural Charter School. “It’s awesome to play in such a larger ensemble. It’s a different dynamic, and I learned so much from the experience.” As Martin Lewis, a senior at Bucktail High School, put it, “It’s cool to play in such a big ensemble. When you’re used to playing in a smaller group, the chance to perform with so many musicians is a really special experience.”
The Clinton County Band Festival would not have been possible without the generous support of numerous local sponsors, including Grugan Township, Service Garage, Flaming Foliage Festival, Kettle Creek Music Fest, Women of Faith, Sons and Daughters of Italy, Chapman Township, Budstock, Heritage Park, Women of Renovo, Noyes Township, Dollars for Scholars, North Bend United Methodist Church, American Legion, Catholic Daughters of the Americas St. Veronica Court, Leidy Township, Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles & Linda Morton, and Sportsmen’s. Special thanks also go to the Keystone Central School District Administration, Bucktail Campus Principals, Bucktail Campus Secretaries, Bucktail Campus Custodians, the parents of the students, the students themselves, The Record and The Record-online, and the Bucktail Band Booster Club & Volunteers for their invaluable support in making this event a success.
As the final notes of Tahoka Galop echoed through the gymnasium, and the infectious sounds of proud parents and community folk filled the space, it was clear that this festival had achieved more than just a remarkable musical performance. It had brought together a community united by a love for music, supporting the students who will carry the legacy of the arts forward. In the words of Jacob Flook, an 11th grader from Central Mountain High School, “The opportunity to create music with everyone is something I’ll never forget.”
If you’re looking for more ways to support the Bucktail Area Music programs, consider attending the next Bucktail Band Booster Meeting on April 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Sportsman’s Hotel, 12700 Renovo Rd, Renovo, PA 17764. This meeting will provide information on how you can get involved or donate to the cause. Additionally, for updates on upcoming performances and fundraising efforts, be sure to visit the Bucktail Band Boosters Facebook page for the latest information. If you are not from the Bucktail Area and are looking for ways to support or get involved with your local school music program, I encourage you to reach out to your local school administration to find out how you can help keep music education alive and thriving in our schools for years to come.
