ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — To see a child who has never held an instrument and knows nothing about music progress to being able to play and read music within a year’s time brings a big smile to Ashley Brannan’s face.

Beginning her fifth year as Central Baldwin Middle School’s Band Director, Brannan has seen tremendous growth with the 200 seventh and eighth graders she molds into musicians every year.

“Last year we had the largest number of students we’ve ever had and it just goes to show how supportive the parents and community has been in encouraging their children to get involved in the band program,” Brannan said.

Originally from Lakeland, Fla., and growing up in Brewton, Brannan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Auburn and a Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and has taught at Rosinton, Loxley and Gulf Shores before coming to CBMS.

Brannan looks forward to a good year filled with lots of hard work and learning but is a little sad there won’t be a sixth grade band program this year. She explained this is the first year without sixth grade band and feels bad for those students who were looking forward to starting this year. “It is unfortunate we can’t continue with the program but we are dealing with it and trying to compensate for it. Even though they are starting out with a disadvantage, they are making the best of it.”

Learning how to read music and getting basic instruction in how to hold and play and take care of your instrument is the basic goal for seventh graders, Brannan said, while eighth graders are playing more pep tunes and actually performing on their own and with the high school band on special occasions.

“Sometime in the Fall, we are going to have an eighth grade night where they will play at a football game with the high school band and we are really excited about that. We will also perform for Veteran’s Day and various school and community functions as well.” Brannan said.

In addition, the band will go to two competitions, one for a state assessment at Daphne in March and a District Seven contest as well, Brannan explained. They will also take a trip in April but Brannan is not sure of the destination yet.

The students also have an opportunity to participate in the Baldwin County Honor Band. Brannan said they audition and are chosen to be part of a band made up of students from all over Baldwin County. “Several universities in Alabama host competitions for the Honor Band and it gives the students a chance to see a college campus and broaden their horizons. It’s a great experience for them.”

“The school administration and parents have been so great at seeing the importance of a band program and for helping us strive for excellence throughout the year. The elementary schools have also been good about encouraging them to get involved in something worthwhile like band,” Brannan commented.

Being a part of a warm and caring community is so important to Brannan and she is so thankful for all the help she receives throughout the year from parents.