Sound the Sirens: Ava Pride Band marches into new season
The Ava Pride Band is preparing for the 2026–27 school year with a new student leadership team, a slate of award recipients, an upcoming band camp and continued fundraising for a planned trip to Orlando, Florida.
Band members were recognized during an Ava Pride awards ceremony held in July. Several students received individual honors for their musicianship, leadership and contributions to the program.
Sarah Kimball received the Calvin Helsley Outstanding Musicianship Award, while Katie Brooks received the Louis Armstrong Award. Orion Gamboa received the John Philip Sousa Award, the Director’s Award and the Outstanding Senior Award.
Alyssa Boyd received the National School Marching Award and was recognized as Outstanding Junior. Miley Ludwig was named Outstanding Sophomore, Jabe Hedrick received the Outstanding Rookie Award and Ellie Naylor was recognized as Outstanding Colorguard Member.
The band also announced its student leadership team for the upcoming school year.
Alyssa Boyd and Katie Brooks will serve as co-drum majors. Jaden Nelson was selected as guard captain, and Katara Jones will serve as band manager.
Section leaders include Josie Scott for flutes, Abi Swainston for clarinets, Alyssa Boyd for altos, Miley Ludwig for high brass and Katie Brooks for low winds. Danny Walker and Sarah Kimball will lead the percussion section.
The band’s 2026 show, “Sirens,” was revealed July 5. The production draws inspiration from the dangerous and alluring creatures of Greek mythology that were said to lure sailors with their enchanting songs.
Students will begin preparing the new show during the 2026 Ava Pride Band Camp. Camp is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 30 and 31, and Monday through Friday, Aug. 3 through 7.
The camp dates are intended as a reminder for band students and their families. Students and parents should refer to information provided by the band program for any additional instructions, schedules or requirements.
Along with preparing for the new season, the Ava Pride Band Boosters are raising money for the band’s upcoming trip to Orlando.
A bake sale will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Town & Country, 491 NW 12th Ave. in Ava. Baked goods may be brought to the store packaged and ready to sell between 8:45 and 9 a.m. Donations will be accepted.
A car wash fundraiser will also be held Saturday, July 18, in the Bartow Ace Hardware parking lot next to Dollar Tree, 1011 Springfield Road in Ava. Cars, motorcycles, boats, bicycles, UTVs and other vehicles are welcome. The cost is by donation, with proceeds supporting the Orlando trip.
Ava Pride Band Boosters President Dayvv Brooks announced June 30 that the organization’s Facebook page had resumed posting following several months of inactivity caused by account restrictions. The boosters plan to continue sharing band news, announcements and fundraising information as students prepare for the coming season.
