Bailey and Brooke Hardy, fraternal twin daughters of Kevin and Wendy Hardy of Wauseon, spent the past four years of their high school career making musical memories.
The sisters, who graduated this year, recently were recognized for their dedication and ambitious endeavors to the Wauseon High School musical program.
The two sisters both share that their love of music began with the introduction of the recorder in elementary school and the 4th and 5th grade choir. Towards the end of fifth grade, the girls were introduced to the world of band and each chose an instrument to play in sixth grade band. Brooke chose the flute while Bailey chose the trombone. As they perfected their abilities with their respective instruments, by the time they reached high school, both were sold out for band. The sisters participated in the competitive Wauseon High School marching band under the direction of Mr. Boswell and Mr. Lozer for all four years of their high school career. Brooke, who also plays the piccolo, was the field commander their junior year and Bailey was the field commander their senior year.
Bailey also enjoys vocal music and participated in the Wauseon High School Chorale.
Brooke’s fondest memories of band include the Florida trip last school year. “It rained so we couldn’t march in the parade, but it was Disney! We participated in some workshops such as jazz and sight reading Disney music.”
For Bailey, it was this year’s Spring Arts Concert. “It was emotional. It was Mr. Boswell’s last, and Ms. Dunsavage’s first concert.”
It was also at this concert that the senior sisters received their musical awards, a culmination of four years of musical success and dedication at Wauseon High School. Mr. Eric Boswell, the WHS Band Director, states that the criteria for these awards are based on a combination of student participation in honor groups, student input and also director selection based on performance during their time in high school. Bailey received the John Phillip Sousa Award, an award named for a famous composer of many marches. This is the highest musical honor awarded to a WHS band student. Brooke, along with one other senior student, received the Patrick Gilmore Award, also named for a famous Irish-American composer.
Besides music, the girls were involved in Girls Christian Fellowship, speech, mock trial, debate, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, musicals, and Student Council throughout their four years in high school.
Music is in the future for both sisters. Bailey plans to attend Bowling Green State University in the fall to major in musical education with a major in trombone and a minor in vocal music. She aspires to be a band or choral director. Brooke plans to attend Trine University to major in chemical engineering but will march in the Trine marching band.
Both agree that the community of Wauseon is very supportive of the school musical programs. They also agree their parents have always been supportive of their musical endeavors. For younger students contemplating whether or not to join the band or choir, the girls encourage them to do so. Bailey encourages, “You should try and audition. You may find out that you love it.” Brooke agrees and wants to reassure students that you can do music and other activities as well. She states, “Directors will work with your sport schedules. And music helps with scholarships!”
As they look forward to their future endeavors, they will always be grateful to a school and community who supported their love and passion for music.
Tammy may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
