Final band performance of the year marks senior sendoff

The Albany ISD band program presented its annual spring concert Thursday, May 15 in the Albany High School gymnasium, featuring performances from sixth grade, seventh grade, and high school bands.

Director of bands Jessica Watkins said this year’s format brought all three bands together in a combined performance to close the show. Each group also performed individual pieces during the evening.

Musicianship awards were presented to students from each group.

Sixth grade recipients included Paige Price, Harper Hargett, Kirah Minor, Tanner Howe, Rainy Nitschke, Abigail Gauna, and Mia Smith.

Seventh grade honorees were Carly Kreitler, Kalison Oliver, Kimberly Howe, Mason Cradduck, and Loralie Balliew.

High school recipients included Charlee Patterson, John Birkla, Jordan Knight, Logan Balliew, Landon Picquet, and Kylee Bennett.

Senior band members were recognized during the concert. Those honored included Landon Krei­tler, John Birkla, Melanie Figueroa, Chyanne Jaco, Ben Barwon, Donald McCullough, Keira Caudel, and Macie Breeden.

Caudel also signed a letter of intent earlier this week to continue performing in band at Cisco College.

Rowdy New, a sophomore, was named the 2025 recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award, which was presented at the academic banquet on May 12. New earned a Division I rating at UIL Solo and Ensemble competition earlier this year.

The band’s 2025 marching show theme was revealed during the concert, with the high school band, minus the graduating seniors, performing the first movement from the show.