Raider Band honors musicians, color guard during banquet

The Richmond Raider Band held its yearly banquet at the high school to honor excellence and say goodbyes during their last several hours together on Friday, June 2, 2023.

The high school’s director of band, Edwin Carter, handed out certificates for outstanding discipline, superior in marching, amazing spirit, outstanding musicianship, and leadership.

“Nothing was easy when selecting these awardees,” he said before the event. “I had a hard time picking one or the other. They all deserved to be honored and recognized tonight. They have no idea how special they really are.”

Nicholas Ewing, a senior, receives a certificate for superior leadership from Edwin Carter during the annual banquet held Friday, June 2, 2023, at the high school. Carter is the Director of Band at Richmond Senior High School. (Photo by Mark Bell)

Carter said the key ingredients in any high school band are the parents and families of the students. “Parents, you’re a part of our success,” he said. “We couldn’t do it without your dedication to your child and the long hours of practicing and performing. Nothing is easy about being a musician, and that is so true about being a band parent.”

As Carter started to announce the names of awardees, Richmond County School board member Ronald Tillman watched students’ expressions as he sat with the parents and student musicians for the evening.

“I am here today looking at these students and seeing smiles on their faces,” he said. “They love what they do. For me, it’s all about the kids being happy. Tonight, you can see it in their faces. Everyone is so happy. This band community is a great experience for our students, family, and county.”

Tillman said music allows students to express themselves positively.

“Every child is different,” he said about the students’ interest within Richmond County Schools. “Not everyone plays sports, but I can say that everyone enjoys music.”

With the Internet and social media exposing youth to a wide variety of genres of music, Tillman said people can find their taste in music and use it as a therapeutic tool to enhance their lives.

“Music brings a sense of calmness and peacefulness to our world,” he said. “For that reason, having music in our schools is very important. We need to allow our students to express themselves in a way that only music can do.”

Richmond County School board member Ronald Tillman talks with band parents during the annual banquet held Friday, June 2, 2023, at the high school. (Photo by Mark Bell)

During the banquet, Carter announced that next year there are 127 students signed up to join the band at the high school.

“Those increase in numbers of people wanting to be in the band at the high school is a direct reflection of the leadership we see here tonight,” he said. “Mr. Carter and his staff are doing an awesome job guiding our students to be the best.”

Tillman said he credits the seniors and section leaders within the band for helping grow the band.

“These students are setting good examples for our middle and elementary schools,” he said. “They are bringing people into the band and want to be a part of the band.”

The highlight of the evening was when the Raider marching band drum major, Cyncere Bell, stepped up to the podium to talk to the band and thank them for their hard work and dedication.

“Tonight, I just wanted to let y’all know that the time I served being your drum major will be one of the most memorable moments in my life,” Bell said. “You guys helped me carve my future and taught me so much in a little bit of time. We cried together. We laughed together. Some of us even almost fought together.”

Bell, who is a senior and will be attending Winston-Salem State University in the fall, said being in the marching band was an unforgettable journey.

“Thank you for this life-changing opportunity,” he added.

He then asked all the marching band and color guard members to stand. Bell stepped away from the podium and brought the room to attention.

“Pride!” the band shouted.

“Green, Gold!” Bell shouted.

“You Know!” the band instantly replied loudly.

As Carter closed the banquet, he recognized all seniors in the color guard and band and their commitment to the Raider spirit. He said the seniors set the foundation of a new chapter in the Raider Band.

“I’ve told y’all before that every time a senior graduates, they leave a legacy behind,” he said to the standing seniors. “Because of you, we have more commitment and more visibility within our band.”

Carter then looked to the remaining seated students and said, “Now it’s your turn to continue that legacy. We have a lot more work to do.”

Afterward, hugs from seniors to lowerclassmen and last-second advice to carry on the tradition that has been handed down for generations in the Raider Marching Band — the pride of Richmond County.

Students who received certificates for outstanding discipline were Jayla Brower, Melissa Canas, Catherine Clifton, Angel Cristobal, Lallyauna Hailey, Kamori Martin, Deloris McDonald, and Ethan Moore.

Students who received certificates for superior in marching were Brycen Haire, Heather Pike, Genesis Pratt, and Zyiar Williams.

Students who received certificates for superior leadership were Cyncere Bell, Terrae Covington, Nicholas Ewing, Helyn Gonzalez, Abigail Honeycutt, Gilbert Hatcher, Griselda Jimenez, Rachel Martin, Leah Squires, and Damani Terry.

Students who received certificates for amazing spirit were James Coicou and Seneca Thomas.

Students who received certificates for outstanding musicianship were Justin Flowers and Hunter Williams.