BY GAVIN SMITH

As the year comes to a close, the senior class prepares to leave Mariemont School District, closing the curtains on their Mariemont careers in order to move onto the next stage of their lives; this year, band director Mr. Richard Canter will do the same.

It is not difficult to tell that Canter is loved by the members of the band. When describing Canter, sophomore flute player Meredith Lindsey says, “Mr. Canter is super nice and enthusiastic. He never seems bothered. He’s understanding of conflicts, and most importantly, he makes you feel appreciated.”

In 2012, Canter, after growing and developing Finneytown High School’s band program for twelve years, accepted the role of the Director of Bands for Mariemont School District, hoping to do the same. Currently, Canter directs all band students grades 5-12, and he is the President of the Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) 14th District.

Recently, Canter revealed that next year he plans on leaving Mariemont School District in order to direct the band at Walnut Hills High School.

“It’s bittersweet,” says freshman French horn player Adam Studer. “He has a great opportunity, but we’ll miss him because he’s always there for his students.”

Canter’s departure disheartened many students, and it’s rumored that some are dropping band because of his decision.

“I’m sad; I feel there will be a hole in band, now,” junior trumpet player William Bragg says. “But I’m going to stay; if I don’t give the new director a chance, how could I know if I like them or not?”

In the three years under Canter, the High School band has traveled to and competed in New Orleans, Louisiana, and at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. At each event, the band received trophies for its participation.

The band has also achieved high honors at OMEA competitions, where high school bands play songs based on class, or level of difficulty. The songs range from Class A to Class C; the former being the most difficult, and the latter being the least. Each song is then played in front of a panel of three judges, and then ranked on a 1-5 scale; one, the best, five, the worst.

“It’s more of a competition against ourselves, than other bands,” says senior bass clarinetist Marie Schneider.

Under Canter’s direction, the Mariemont High School band earned two “2s” and one “1” at the OMEA full-group competition, all the while growing and improving as a band.

Mariemont School District’s band website describes the band as a “fun, close-knit group,” but many students are worried this may change with the upcoming year.

“We’re like a family when in the band room,” says Studer. “I hope we can keep that.”