PERRYVILLE – It was an evening of beautiful music accompanied by laughter and tears as the Perryville High School Band paid tribute to former band director Eric Seibel, who passed away in June, during their Spring Concert.
Mr. Seibel taught music at Perry County School District 32 for 25 years, and continued to assist the band after his retirement. He was a beloved mentor to thousands of students throughout his career.
During the concert, a new composition entitled “Good Morning!” was performed publicly for the first time in honor of Mr. Seibel’s life and career. It was composed by Dr. John Prescott of Missouri State University, a former professor of PHS Band Director Jerry Childers.
“This composition incorporates two of Mr. Seibel’s favorite songs, the PHS Fight Song, and his favorite hymn, ‘Lord Thee I Love With All My Heart,’” Mr. Childers said. “Because this song is for Mr. Seibel, it had to be upbeat and happy. Dr. Prescott created a joyful piece of music that we are honored to perform for the first time tonight.”
Several of Mr. Seibel’s colleagues and former students joined the high school band to perform “Good Morning!” His wife Janet, herself a retired District 32 music educator, was joined by family and friends for the debut performance. Mrs. Seibel said she was incredibly moved when Mr. Childers revealed the title of the piece: “Good Morning!”
“I had tears rolling down my face,” Mrs. Seibel recalled. “For those who do not know, ‘Good Morning!’ was Eric’s greeting – no matter the time of day.”
Former PHS band director Bill Fischer, who worked with Mr. Seibel for 30 years, described Mr. Seibel as a man of great integrity and faith who had a very dry sense of humor. He shared several humorous anecdotes about their years teaching together. He then shared with the audience that when his late wife was hospitalized, Mr. Seibel stepped in to make sure that Mr. Fischer didn’t have to worry about finding subs or creating lesson plans.
“He just did it,” Mr. Fischer said. “And he never told me that he was having his own kidney health issues during that time. He never told me.”
The concert also included performances by the Middle School Advanced Band, who performed “Alien Marching Machine,” also composed by Dr. Prescott, “Blue Ridge Reel” by Brian Balmages, “Red Giant” by Jorge Vargas, and “Wizards and Warriors” by Roland Barrett.
The PHS Concert Band performed “Redemption,” by Rosanno Galante, “Praises” by Francis McBeth, “On a Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss,” by David Holsinger,” and “Ruckus” by Randall Standridge.
The PHS Concert Band was directed by Mr. Childers, Assistant Band Director Jacob Bagot, and student teacher Samantha Barantine, who will be the band director at Dexter High School next year.
The band includes:
Flute – Rosmarie Baker-Mosely, Allison Cowell, Taylor Ebersohl, Alexa Hagan, Kristina Kishbaugh, Destinee Moreland, Alyson Peeler, Adam Perea, Alanna Robinson, and Jayden Stortz.
Bassoon – Grady Warren.
Clarinet – Keirsta Boyett, Kathryn Broeking, Kelly Chavez, Hallie Figge, Nathan Geringer, Riley Kemp, Chris Linhorst, Adrianna Messer, Hazel Mudge, Addalyn Weibrecht, and Claire Zahner.
Bass Clarinet – Scout Baskin and Chloe Cox.
Alto Saxophone – Sofia Buerck, Jacob Goehman, Isabella Iffert, and Makayla Iffert.
Tenor Saxophone – Haylie Hagan.
Baritone Saxophone – Cara Fulmer.
Trumpet – Anna Abbott, Evelyn Mote-Fabian, Trenton Lorenz, Jade Reed, Gretchen Triller, and Ayden Turbyville.
Horn – Ashton Anschultz, Kara Hotop, and Jocelyn Schweiss.
Trombone – Emily Baker, Katie Farrow, and Johannah Hoffer.
Euphonium – Camryn Heim.
Tuba – Blake Bodendieck and Cecilia Spencer-Hayes.
Percussion – Alex Courtois, Olivia Iffert, America Juarez, Logan Krauss, Wesley Pfaff, Rodney Rauh, Ayla Schuler, Lynlea Seabaugh, Bryson Stortz, and Vohn Vandeven.
Piano – Ayla Schuler.