Apollo Bray
Clarinet – Section Leader
Serving this season as a Co-Section Leader with Thomas, this senior, known as Apollo, defines being a Marching Colonel as being smart, tough, and held to a high standard. For Apollo, the true reward of the season was seeing the show become real during that first official performance when everything came together in uniform. However, the biggest point of pride this year was the development of the clarinet section itself: “This year something just clicked, and we all got to come together and be like a family in the section.”
The band’s influence over the years has been centered on mannerisms, teaching the vital importance of integrity and sticking with something even when it seems impossible. This principle is the single most important lesson Apollo will carry forward, knowing that everything will always lead back to you holding yourself accountable. This developed discipline will be crucial as they plan to pursue a major in architecture with a minor in psychology after high school.
A cherished tradition that will be missed most is the color wars at band camp, especially cooling off with the fire truck after a hot, sweaty day. For younger members just starting out, Apollo’s advice is to never give up and always put in 110% of your energy and effort into everything you do, because it will be worth it in the end. Finally, Apollo leaves a sincere, if unpunctuated, message for the Clarinet section: “It has been fun yall keep doing great and keeps improving and you will be unstoppable i love you guys… see you guys again eventually maybe and you will be amazing.”
Mars Brummett
Colorguard / Weapon
This Marching Colonel, who served this season as the Colorguard Section Leader, encapsulates the meaning of the program as hard work and dedication. For her, being a part of this band has changed her life forever, influencing her to be a better leader, to be kind, and to work diligently toward her goals. Her biggest source of pride this year was leading her team and ensuring every member of her section knows she is there for them. The single greatest lesson she will take from the band is the importance of sticking to goals and working hard to achieve them.
When reflecting on the “Motif” show, her favorite part is the ballad, specifically performing a small, beautiful solo at the end. Off the field, a memorable moment was the camaraderie of leading the Campbell County Band with Emme during the Colonel Classic. She will miss the shared tradition of color wars at band camp, including painting each other and cooling off with the firetrucks.
Looking toward the future, the senior plans to attend EKU to major in psychology for mental health, aiming to become a therapist. She believes her band experience—which taught her how to build relationships and demonstrate leadership—will be essential in this field. Her key piece of advice to younger members is simple but vital for a smooth season: “Be kind to each other. If you want your season to run smooth, you need to be kind and patient.” Her closing message is one of gratitude: “I’ll always be more than grateful for every friend I’ve made… and every instructor/director that has guided me to be where I am today.”
Utah Hartman
Mellophone – Section Leader
As the Mellophone Section Leader this season, this Marching Colonel defines being a “Marching Colonel” as stepping up to a standard you didn’t know you could reach. For him, the band has provided a powerful education in humility and growth, showing him what it feels like to win and what it feels like to lose, both of which teach you to be a better human.
The key lesson he takes away from his time in the program is simple: practice is better than talent. This focus on effort carried him through his senior year; he is most proud of the fact that he was able to take things easier this year while still remaining an excellent member. His powerful piece of advice to younger members reflects this commitment: “You will feel like quitting just before it gets better.”
Reflecting on the season, he was happy that the theme for his senior year show, “Motif,” featured the band star. Off the field, he’ll miss the shared downtime of “Trailer time” and treasures the memory of playing Guitar Hero with the high brass.
Looking ahead, he plans to study Chemical Engineering at UK. He believes the perseverance and work ethic developed in the marching band will undoubtedly carry through to his rigorous academic studies. His final message is one of gratitude: “Thank you for this opportunity and thank you for the support. Band has given me the best group of friends I could have ever asked for.”
KJ Baker
Colorguard / Weapon
For this Color Guard Section Leader, being a Marching Colonel means being a part of a family that has each other’s backs and is working towards the same goal. Her favorite part of the “Motif” show was a deeply personal one: being able to choreograph and dance the ballad duet with her cousin.
Her biggest takeaway from her time in the band is that you get out what you put in—meaning success comes directly from effort and dedication. This philosophy was instilled by the band, which taught her how to be a hard worker and fight for something and stick it out, even when it’s hard. As a leader, she is most proud of the fact that the show is already so great this year, reflecting the hard work of her team.
A tradition she will miss the most is the annual trip to BOA Grand Nationals, which she describes as a reward for the season’s hard work, spent with best friends. Her favorite memorable moment was celebrating with the entire band after her section won Color Wars on the last day of band camp.
Looking ahead, she plans to attend the University of the Cumberlands to study high school English education and minor in music. She knows her band experience has profoundly shaped her, teaching her countless lessons that will always remain. Her final piece of advice to younger members is simple and vital: “Just have fun with it because you can only be a part of this activity for so long.” Her parting message expresses her gratitude: “I’m so glad color guard was able to be such a big part of my life. I will always cherish the memories and the lasting impact it will have on my life.”