The De Soto Wildcat band finished up its year with the spring concert, held in the new gym at De Soto High School on May 1.

The concert featured performances from the jazz band, drum line, concert band, symphonic band and small ensembles.

This concert in particular was memorable for many reasons. The band held a pizza meal fundraiser before the concert and sold desserts brought by parents.

“It was convenient to have everything here at the school,” said band director Matt Bradford, who is in his first year of teaching at DHS. “That way we can set up, eat, and then go back in and play.”

The band was able to play in the new gym for the first time.

“It was great playing in the new gym,” Bradford said “There was plenty of space for the audience and band.”

Some of the juniors surprised the seniors with a reception after their performance. The ceremony included food and goody bags, and the juniors thanked the  seniors for their leadership and their last year of school.

“I’m proud of the juniors for hosting that [the reception] and proud of my seniors also. I thought it was really special.” Bradford said.

The actual performance was considered a success, considering they had to learn two new songs in the two weeks prior to the concert, along with the 11 others they already know.

“We did a nice job. It was pretty good for our last concert,” junior bass clarinet Lizzy Henderson said.

Bradford was especially pleased with the performance considering it was the first concert played in the new gym, and freshman trombonist Treavor Harvey agreed.

“We played a well-balanced performance, even though it was harder to play in a new place,” Harvey said.

This year, in particular, struck both band students and Bradford with the way the band improved.

“We definitely improved more this year than last year. Mr. Bradford was more strict, but I think that was what helped us most,” Henderson said.

“Concert band really improved this year and I was impressed and proud of them,” Bradford said “Their skills have gone up, and the band played much more challenging songs than at the beginning of the year.”