The Tennessean's Student of the Week is taking to the field this week to celebrate our schools in the loudest way possible.
It's time to take a pause and listen to the music, y'all, and we're seeking the top Marching Band student in Middle Tennessee.
Whether it's performing on the football field, keeping football fans pepped up from the stands or keeping the beat in holiday parades, marching bands are a rite of passage and a high school staple for thousands of students every year.
Teachers, administrators, and faculty nominated nine outstanding marching band students for this week's poll, and now it's up to you to decide who wins. The poll is open now through noon, Oct. 1, and you'll find the link to vote at the bottom of this story.
But, first,
take a minute to read a little more about our students this week and what their nominators had to say about them.
Will Cooper, Rockvale High School
Will Cooper is a senior trombonist in the Rockvale High School Band. He also serves as the band's Quartermaster, or the leader of the student logistical team.
Cooper's nomination was submitted by Rockvale Principal Dr. Meagan Turnbow and band directors Alex Seard and Chris Lowry.
"He is the Rockvale Band's go-to-guy for soaring trombone melodies as well as making sure all of the band's sound system is properly set up for rehearsals and performances," they said. "The Rockvale Band couldn't do what we do without Will's leadership and dedication to our program."
Kourtney Dalton, Kirkwood High School
Kourtney Dalton is a founding member of the Kirkwood High School Band Program and has been a faithful member of the program since day one.
"In addition to her talent in both playing and marching, she is just a good human, which is the highest compliment one can receive," Kirkwood staff said about her nomination.
"She is well loved and respected by her peers and serves as the woodwind captain and clarinet section leader. In addition to her work here, she has attended the Florida A&M Summer Band Camp for the last 3 summers and will be going again this summer before she enrolls at FAMU as a student."
She is also academically astute as she takes Honors/DE/AP Classes and has a 3.7+ GPA.
Blake Fisher, Columbia Central High School
Fisher is a senior trombonist at Columbia Central High School and is currently president of the Columbia Central High School Marching Band.
He is a member of the Columbia Central Collegiate Academy and the CHS Jazz Band. Fisher has been member of the MTSBOA Mid State Honor Band and the Tennessee Tech University Honor Band. This past summer, he marched with the Music City Drum and Bugle Corp out of Nashville.
"He has been a strong and consistent leader of our marching band every year," CHS staff said in Fisher's nomination. "Student leaders are an integral part of the Columbia Central High School marching band program, and Blake is a valuable asset to the group."
Emily Gunderlock, Spring Hill High School
Emily Gunderlock is in her fourth year marching in the Spring Hill High School Marching Band, this year serving as the percussion section leader.
During her time in the SHHS Band program, she has also represented the band as a member of the Concert Band & SHHS Winter Percussion. Outside of the band, she is a member of the SHHS Key Club & National Honor Society.
"She is a student that (we) can turn to for anything," SHHS staff said in her nomination. "She has become a true leader in our organization and is someone any student can turn to. She takes time to help others and sets the example for those she works with. She is also one of the most hardworking students, constantly working to improve her craft as a musician."
Gavin McDonald, Mt. Juliet High School
Mt. Juliet High School senior Gavin McDonald has been a a member of the school's Concert Band, Jazz Band and Marching Band since his freshman year, as well as Winter Winds since sophomore year.
"I play the flute, piccolo, and saxophone in these bands and have had numerous solos," he said. "This year I was elected Band President by my peers. I have been involved in the Wilson County Honor Band, MTSBOA Mid-State Band, and the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts."
In addition to his accomplishments in band, McDonald is also a second degree Black Belt and was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in scouting. He is also an active member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and Quiz Bowl.
"I have maintained a 4.00 GPA, and plan to go to college to get a dual degree in Music Performance and Computer Science, then continue with a masters in music," he said.
Sophia Powell, Rossview High School
Rossview High School senior Sophia Powell is a horn player who serves as sergeant for the RHS Marching Band of Pride
Band director Brandon Reynolds describes her as a student that "always exceeds expectations academically and in the band classroom."
"Sophia is a friend to everybody and is always thinking of others, even when it is inconvenient," Reynolds said. "Many of her peers look up to her for guidance and encouragement."
Adam Teal, Clarksville High School
Adam Teal is a third-year Clarksville High School marching band member.
Principal Erin Hedrick says Teal and has grown tremendously in those three years and has proven to be a leader in the battery and is a valuable help to the band.
"He helps with all tasks around the band room to include organizing the percussion storage room and taking initiative to make the band space better for everyone," Hedrick said. "He is the first in the battery to learn his music and offers help to the younger battery members. Adam cares about band and has grown into a hard working young man in our ensemble."
Beckett Youngman, Wilson Central High School
Beckett Youngman is a senior trumpet player in the Wilson Central High School Band, and serves as a Trumpet Section Leader.
Described by Principal Jennifer Ankney as "an exceptionally talented musician," Youngman is a featured soloist in the band’s 2026 production, “Imagine!”
Beyond Wilson Central, he has participated in a variety of prestigious musical ensembles. He has earned membership in the Mid-State Band and All-State Band for the past three years. He has also performed regionally with ensembles including the Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble and the Blair School of Music Curb Youth Symphony.
"In 2025, Beckett was selected to attend the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts," Ankney said. "This summer, he furthered his musical studies at the nationally renowned Tanglewood Institute in Boston, an opportunity that reflects his exceptional talent, dedication, and continued growth as a musician."
Henry Zenk, Kirkwood High School
Kirkwood High School student Henry Zenk is a founding member of the Kirkwood High School Band Program and has been a faithful member of the program since day one.
"He is the hardest working student I have ever taught in my 23 years in this profession," Kirkwood Band staff said about Henry's nomination.
"From the time he was a freshman, he has been my right hand man. Anything I have needed, he has done. He works his tail off and then asks if there is anything else that needs done. I wish I could clone him. He will be missed when he graduates.
"He is also one of the most-polite young men I have ever met. He is the band captain and the trumpet section. He does all of this while being a member of the JROTC unit and holding down a part-time job. He is an amazing kid."
Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: School spirit marches into fall: Vote now for Tennessean Band Student of the Week
