Perry High School Band Coronation to take place this Sunday
The Perry High School Band Coronation and Winter Concert is this Sunday, December 17 in the PHS Auditorium. The Coronation and announcement of king and queen will begin at 3 p.m.
The junior high band concert and high school band concert will follow. A reception with cookies and punch will be provided by the Perry Band Boosters.
The Band is directed by Andrew Houghton and assisted by Olivia Benton.
Students have been named in the 2023 PHS Band Coronation royalty court. An introduction of each candidate is below.
Guy Matthew Taylor III is the son of Guy Jr. and Brittany Taylor, and the grandson of Guy Sr. and Shelly Taylor and Steve and Sandra Arnold. He has two younger siblings, Luke James Taylor and Josephine May Taylor. Both siblings are named after their great grandparents Cowboy “James” Fernandez and Iva “Mae” Fernandez. Guy’s favorite activities include being the drum major for the band, playing varsity basketball, go karting, skiing, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. His favorite memory in band was during his sophomore year when he found out that he was going to be the drum major. After graduation, Guy plans to go to Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in Theater.
Brianna Kay Dodson is the daughter of Melissa and Dave Dodson and the granddaughter of Amy and Billy McCoy. She has one sister, Jackie Dodson and one brother, Jonathan Dodson. She has been a member of the Perry Band for eight years playing the clarinet, drum major for two years and a member of band council for two years. She has been an active member of the National Honor Society for the past four years, and HOSA for two years. Band has taught Brianna to forever be herself and to always look on the brighter side of things. Brianna’s favorite band memory was before OBA finals when the seniors had a heartfelt pep talk with the band; tears were shed and laughs were shared, but she’ll never forget the feeling of pride and love she shared with her band family. After graduation Brianna will be attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University to pursue her dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse.
Kylie DeLane Hawkins is the daughter of Elazar and Tara Hawkins. She is the granddaughter of Odis and the late Debbie Hawkins and Larry and the late Kathy Kime. Kylie has one younger brother, Van Hawkins. She has been in band for eight years playing clarinet, was in drumline for her senior year, and has been in jazz band for two years playing tenor saxophone. She attended Red Carpet Honor band for one year. She has been on the Principal's honor roll for many years during high school and is a member of the Gifted and Talented program. Band has taught her to be herself and people would like her a little bit more for doing so. Her favorite band memory was when she went to Mazzio’s after the district contest where she drove a piece of ice on the table like a race car until it melted, making all of her friends laugh. After graduation, Kylie plans to attend Northern Oklahoma College for two years to obtain her basics.
Kadyn Asberry Friend is the son of Brian and Buffy Friend. He has three siblings, including one brother Kyler Friend, and two sisters Mackensie Lawhorn and Drea Friend. He is the grandson of Kathy Dunn of Perry and the late Roger Dunn, and Jerri Gillispie of Prague and the late Ted Gillispie. Kadyn has been an active member of the Perry High School Band for eight years and has played in high school jazz for four years. His instruments include trombone for Jazz, baritone for Marching, and euphonium for Concert. Kadyn has been in the National Honor Society for three years and he is an active member of the Central Baptist Church in Ponca City, as well as their youth group. Band has taught Kadyn to keep trying through the hard times and never give up, and to absolutely try your best. He has been taught by former director Mark Henderson and current director Andrew Houghton, and he has persevered through all the troubles that came with the changing of directors. Kadyn’s favorite memory of band has been the “We Got Uumph” chant that Nathan started and has kept it going at every contest. After graduation, Kadyn plans to attend Heartland Baptist Bible College for a year and then pursue a chiropractic degree.
Preston Blake Rilee is the son of Roneill Rilee and the grandson of Marva Rilee. He has one older sister Savannah Rilee. Preston has been in band for eight years, where he marched bass clarinet for his first two years of his high school career getting directly acknowledged by judges for his marching performances. During his junior and senior year, he found the beauty of percussion instruments, going into the front ensemble and Drum-Line to finish up his marching seasons. His love for history and science is strong, but band definitely takes the cake. Band has taught him how important it is to keep marching forward, not only on the field, but in life. His favorite band memory was going to Broken Arrow with a group of friends for 6A OBA in the shivering cold rain just to find out that they weren’t having finals, and then having their tire blow out on the way back. Preston plans to take a gap year to find the best college for him, where he plans on majoring in either music or philosophy.
Nicole Lenae Douglass is the daughter of Brad and Nancy Douglass. She has two older brothers Brendon and Blayne Douglass. She is the granddaughter of Floyd and Elayne Day and Terry and Karen Douglass. Nicole’s activities include Pom for two years where she served as captain for one year, Color Guard for four years (captain for one year), and Band for four years. She is active in Perry Nazarene Youth Group and attends the cosmetology program at Meridian Technology. She is also a worship leader at the 1st Church of the Nazarene. Her favorite band memory is performing concerts in Mr. Houghton’s office, trying to make him laugh. In her free time, she likes to sing, paint and draw. After graduation, Nicole plans to open her own shop to practice cosmetology.
Serving as the crown bearer and gift bearer for the 2023 PHS Band Coronation is Josephine Taylor and Aisley Bolay.
Josephine Mae Taylor is the four-year-old daughter of Guy Taylor Jr. and Brittany Taylor. She is the little sister of Guy Matthew Taylor III and Luke Taylor. Josephine attends Barbie Owens daycare during the day and is looking forward to going to preschool next year at Perry Lower Elementary School. Her hobbies are dancing, riding bikes, playing at the park, and she loves to play dress up. When Josephine grows up, she wants to be a princess.
Aisley Bolay is the youngest daughter of Bryan and Kendra Bolay. She is the wild child of the family with one older brother, Bryce, and three older sisters, Emery, Tenna, and Maylie. Aisley is seven years old and in the first grade at Perry Lower Elementary School. When she grows up she wants to be a famous movie star.