The Xenia High School music department concluded its performance season this past Tuesday with a spectacular End of the Year Band Program. The evening was a vibrant celebration of student dedication, featuring three distinct ensembles and the presentation of the department’s most prestigious annual national awards.

The concert opened with the Big Band, who set an energetic tone for the evening with jazz standards and upbeat arrangements. Their set included "Teaneck" and a swinging rendition of "Route 66" featuring a standout performance by Lilah Halley. The ensemble closed their portion of the program with the crowd-pleasing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and Elton John’s "I’m Still Standing."

Next, the Concert Band took the stage, delivering a sophisticated set of repertoire. They demonstrated impressive dynamic range and technical skill through a variety of pieces, including the "Black Forest Overture," the rhythmic "Solstice Dance," and the evocative "Sea of Tranquility," before finishing with the powerful "The Battlemage."

Symphonic Band anchored the finale, showcasing high-level artistry through Schuman’s "Chorale from Chester," and a stirring performance of Maslanka’s "Illumination." A highlight of the program was "Velvet Forest," an original composition for wind band by our very own Dillon Black.

Annual Awards Ceremony
Following the performances, the most anticipated portion of the evening took place: the senior recognitions and the presentation of national music awards. These honors recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, musicality, and commitment to the program.

Patrick S. Gilmore Award: AJ Rhonemus
The Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award® was introduced in 1994 in honor of the legendary bandmaster and impresario. Patrick Gilmore (1829-1892) and his band joined General Burnside’s expedition to North Carolina in the Civil War. Gilmore also played for every president of his day, including Abraham Lincoln. This beautiful award honors outstanding high school band students and their achievements and commitment to the band. It may be used as a runner-up award to the John Philip Sousa Award®.

John Philip Sousa Award: Kaelyn Califar
Introduced in 1955 to honor the top student in the high school band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award® recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It was created with the approval of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster.

Louis Armstrong Award: Dillon Black
The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award® was inaugurated in 1974 with the consent of his widow shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971. It honors the outstanding jazz musician at each high school.

Director's Award (Band): Devon Bottorff
The Director’s Award for Band® honors an outstanding member of the high school bands who have the potential to one day become an excellent leader and musician within their program.

Director's Award (Jazz): Zachary Tolle
The Director’s Award for Band® honors an outstanding member of the high school bands who have the potential to one day become an excellent leader and musician within their program.

The evening concluded with the exciting reveal of the 2026 Xenia Marching Band Show, leaving the audience and students eager for the upcoming fall season. The night marked a triumphant finale to a wonderful year of music-making at Xenia High School.

View photos of the evening in the online photo gallery. 

📷 Mr. Lewis & Mrs. Copeland