Last Monday, Bel Air High School held their marching band showcase where marching bands from high schools across Harford County performed, and according to drum major E.V. Freeman, “This was the best showcase we’ve had yet.” However, this wasn’t just the average showcase because they had a new member joining them this time around.
Langston Pannell, a member of STRIVE at Fallston High School, attended the showcase and played the cymbals. For those who don’t know, STRIVE is a program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In STRIVE, students learn general life skills in a modified classroom based on personal needs.
Langston took particular interest in band and began attending percussion classes playing cymbals. Eventually, he started marching. Percussion member, Kai Hauf, began showing him the ropes. “The most that I did was provide some extra help with where he was standing and giving brief rundowns of how the show was going to go down, and he did well,” said Kai.
Now in his second year of participating in band, Langston attended the marching band showcase. “Seeing him enjoying being with the band this year has been really incredible,” said Kai. “I knew he was interested in percussion, but I didn’t know to what degree, and seeing him play cymbals on the field, he actually had a really good sense of tempo and being on beat without much help.”
“His participation in the marching band and the warm embrace he has received from both his peers and teachers have been truly invaluable to us,” said Mr. and Mrs. Pannell. “He truly enjoys marching! Being in the band allows him to build parallel friendships with his peers, and he takes great pride in keeping track of every event.”
Both the Pannells, and everybody related to Langston, truly appreciate seeing him happy. “He looks forward to every band event…[and] we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the administration, teachers, and peers at Fallston High School who have embraced Langston with kindness, respect, and love,” his parents added. “We’re deeply grateful for this nurturing community and for the happiness it brings to Langston and our family.”
