EASLEY — The Easley High School Marching band and director Rick Langdale were honored by Easley City Council on Monday for their continued success and award-winning 2016 season.
“This might be the first time we’ve recognized the band, we usually recognize sports teams,” said Mayor Larry Bagwell. “But I realize how important the band is so we’re glad you’re here.”
The EHS band placed third in 4A Upstate and eighth in the state competition this year, said Bagwell.
“We’ve seen some great growth and great success here at Easley High School,” said Langdale, who was named EHS Teacher of the Year for 2016. “The band program is right at 10 percent of the entire school, which is really awesome.”
Langdale said Easley High School and Gettys Middle are the only schools in the county that employ two full time band directors at both schools, due to their size.
“We’re starting around 120 kids every year in sixth grade band,” he said. “I’m hoping to have that number closer to 250 this year.”
Three concert bands, one competitive marching band, two jazz bands, a competitive percussion ensemble and two competitive winter guards make up the entirety of the EHS band program, said Langdale.
“We have a lot of great students, a lot of great parents,” he said. “If you ever want to experience some great music, just contact us at the high school.”
Langdale also announced a partnership with the City of Easley for this year’s Spring Fling.
“We’ll have 10 area band programs ranging from middle (school) through collegiate levels,” he said. “Winthrop University and Southern Wesleyan are going to be our headlines as well as our local Easley bands.”
Schools from Anderson have been invited as well as others from Pickens County, Langdale said.
“We appreciate the support we get from the city and I know a lot of you all have bought fruit at some point in the fall — we appreciate that and we appreciate all the wonderful kids that you guys are raising,” he said. “Easley’s a great town.”