Thursday evening was an emotional and bittersweet time for Okay Band Director Sherry Howard and her elementary and high school bands.

It may be the last time this group of kids plays together, because Okay's school board decided not to rehire Howard and girls basketball coach Stacey Smith in an effort to save the school money. Their contracts end June 30.

“I'm sad. I think it's sad and a shame,” Howard said.

The band director worked for Okay schools for 12 years and saw many talented students come through her classroom door.

Jacob Seabolt, 2007 graduate and saxophone player, was one of the first band members from Okay to play in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

He now attends college and, last year, received a Foundations Scholarship for his participation in college marching band.

Seabolt credits Howard and the Okay Mustang Band program with his current success.



See a photo gallery from the concert here.



“Were it not for this program, who and what I am today would not have been possible,” he said.

Two more students went on to play in the All-American Macy's Band in 2007 and 2008 — Matt McCrery and Jacey Blaylock.

Matt McCrery began band in fifth grade with Howard.

Now, as a freshman in high school, McCrery has already gone to Macy's twice and was invited to represent the Oklahoma Ambassadors of Music in Europe this summer.

He is unhappy about the likelihood of losing band in Okay.

“I'm not into sports or art,” McCrery said. “I will probably move to Muskogee High School to stay in band.”

The Okay Band Booster's club is campaigning to keep the music program and have the support of many parents and teachers.

Many parents, students, and all the band members wore bright orange “Save our Band” shirts to the concert.

B.J. Charbonneau, social studies and reading teacher, attended the concert.

She enjoyed seeing the band members “play like angels,” and feels that losing the band is a tragedy, she said.

“For these kids, it's like the difference between walking in the mud and reaching for the stars,” Charbonneau said.

Sixth-grader Dillon Roberts wrapped up his first, and possibly only, year of band with this concert.

He was about 9 when he decided to join band as soon as he could, said the trumpet player.

Roberts hoped to get scholarships for college someday and be a musician or write music.

“If they don't bring back band, I may have to move to a new school and try again,” he said.



After the concert ended, the band received a standing ovation from parents and friends.

Many students, both in band and others, came and hugged Howard after the show.

“They did an awesome job,” Howard said. “I just hope they change they're minds for the students’ sake. That's just how I feel.”