Missoula Community Concert Band Gives Back

SEELEY LAKE – The Missoula Community Concert Band filled the Seeley-Swan Auditorium stage during their outreach concert with Seeley-Swan High School Band April 3. Not only did they bring songs of light to brighten the evening, they incorporated the six SSHS band members and presented junior Jared Townsend with a $250 scholarship to the University of Montana's summer band camp.

SSHS Band played three pieces to start the concert followed by five selections from the Missoula Community Concert Band from their spring concert themed around light.

"As adult players we have all found light in music," said Missoula Community Concert Band President Meg Carnegie. "Even though we all come from different careers, we've all continued to enjoy music and find the lightness in music. It helps us to find focus and clarity in our lives. We hope that you all will be able to do the same."

Prior to the two groups joining for the final piece, Carnegie presented Jared Townsend with the scholarship.

While the community band typically donates to the school following the outreach concert, this is the first time they have given a scholarship to a student. SSHS Music Director Kristen Cottom nominated Townsend for the scholarship. He has been playing trumpet since elementary school.

"Not only is he a dedicated band member, he performs hours of community service and is involved with the Leos Club and student Council," wrote Cottom in her letter about Townsend.

Townsend said it was a pleasure to have the Missoula Community Concert Band come to play with them and to perform for them. He said they did an amazing job and "the theme of light really came out in the pieces."

"I'm very thankful for the scholarship given to me," said Townsend. "I was trying to find a way to get there and this almost entirely solidified my plans. It's going to be awesome."