Tyler Hertzler

Writer

Going into her seventh year in the program, senior Hailey Griggs is the clarinet section leader for the Marlow High School Band.

Creating a name for herself as a clarinetist, Griggs has also been a member of the Southwestern Oklahoma Band Directors Association (SWOBDA), All-Region Honor Band, Small School All-State Honor Band and the Shortgrass Honor Band.

However, when asked what she considers to be her greatest achievement throughout her involvement, she explained how her personal drive helped her skills excel.

“My biggest accomplishment in band is being able to say that I pushed myself and excelled on the clarinet with my own efforts and help from others,” Griggs answered.

Enjoying the stimulating environment in Band, Griggs goes on to explain what has kept her in the program all these years.

“I love band because of the challenges the music provides. Not only the stuff that the Marlow Band plays but also the audition music for contests and for solos.”

With the amount of time that Griggs has spent in band, she has made many friends and memories along the way.

Her band director and friends described her as a very competitive, hard working, and loyal friend.

Friend of Griggs and senior alto saxophone player Rachel Retherford shared her favorite memory with Griggs.

“I remember when we went to Branson together our freshman year,” said Retherford. “She was acting really crazy but she made us laugh.”

Senior Tamara McConnell, alto saxophonist and friend of Griggs, went on to explain how much Griggs has helped her friends and fellow bandmates be the best they can be.

“Hailey is an amazing person, and she’s an amazing leader and clarinet player,” explained McConnell. “She always goes out of her way to make sure everyone understands everything like the music or the notes. If Mr. Daniel is not making sense, she translates that. I couldn’t have asked for a better band friend.”

Marlow Band Director Billy Daniel also expressed his appreciation for all the hard work, memories and friendship Griggs has provided over the years.

“Hailey is a hard worker in everything that she does because she is a bit of a perfectionist,” said Daniel. “She is one of the best clarinet players I have ever taught because of that.”

Griggs has put in countless hours of hard work into band and gained many friendships, memories and life lessons throughout all those years.

“Through my participation in Band, I have learned that working together and accomplishing something like a piece of music is very rewarding and can bring a sense of family,” said Griggs.

Griggs plans to attend college after high school and hopefully continue her band career at her school of choice.