The Southeast Alabama Community Band celebrated its 25th anniversary season on May 5 at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University.

The annual band concert pays tribute to the late Dr. Johnny Long and to the many Southeast Alabama Community Band members over the years.

Maggie Hammond, president of the sponsoring Troy Arts Council, took the opportunity of the Southeast Alabama Community Band Concert to present the council’s annual awards.

“The TAC presented Professor Carlton Copeland with a special honor for his dedication to the arts in Troy,” Hammond said. “The TAC also awarded Day Barnes with the Professional Artist Award and Sam Fredrick with the Professional Musician award.

“Dominique Taylor received the Caroline Howard Music Studies Scholarship from the Southeast Alabama Community Band.”

On behalf of the SACB, Michael O’Hara presented Dr. John M Long challenge coins to Mayor Reeves, Carlton Copeland, and Dominique (Doc) Taylor. 

Mary Lynn Long attended the concert, and was recognized for her dedication to Troy and to the arts.

“This year is the 60th anniversary of the Longs coming to Troy and forever changing the artistic landscape of the community,” Hammond said. “Mrs. Long received a standing ovation from the audience and the band.”

When it was time to play “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” Ray Smith announced that he was stepping down as director of the Southeast Alabama Community Band and was handing the directorship over to Dr. Mark Walker, director of bands at Troy University. 

Hammond said the Southeast Alabama Community Band’s 25th anniversary season was outstanding and expressed appreciation to the band members and all those who support the dedicated and amazing community band.