The auditorium buzzed with anticipation as the first notes of the Stanislaus County Junior High Honor Band pierced the silence. At the conductor’s stand, Brandon Price stood poised, his hand raised — a symbol of passion, expertise, and connection. For Price, the moment was more than a performance; it was a homecoming. It was a full circle moment for the Modesto native, Beyer High graduate, and former member of this very honor band. He now stood where he once dreamed of being, guiding 63 talented students across Stanislaus County on an immersive musical adventure of four carefully chosen pieces.
“I wanted this program to take students and the audience on a journey through a range of emotions and styles,” said Price. “From the high-energy rhythms of 'Wild Wyatt' to the powerful message on mental health in 'Fragile,' each piece challenged the students in a different way. We also explored the excitement of a sci-fi adventure in 'Wrath of the Mechanical Monsters' and ended on a fun, fast-paced note with 'Squirrel Chase.' Seeing the students bring each piece to life with passion and joy was the best part of the experience."
Honoring a Leader in Music Education
Brandon was among several educators nominated to conduct the Stanislaus County Junior High Honor Band. The board chose him for his outstanding contributions to music education.
"As a past president of the California Band Directors Association and last year’s California All-State Music Education Conference Medal of Honor recipient, his dedication made him the clear choice," said Paul Herrera, Gregori High School music teacher and Stanislaus County Music Educators Association board member.
The program, curated by Price, blended artistry with emotion. He opened the concert with 'Wild Wyatt,' a piece composed by his mentor, Dr. Gary Gilroy, Director of Bands at Fresno State University. Gilroy had played a significant role in Price’s musical journey, first as his band director at Beyer High School and later as his professor at Fresno State. Over the years, their professional relationship evolved into a close friendship, with Gilroy even joining Price’s family on camping trips.
Gilroy wrote 'Wild Wyatt' in honor of Price’s energetic son, Wyatt. The composition’s bold rhythms—crashing cymbals, whip cracks, and powerful bass drums—captured Wyatt’s fiery personality. As the final note echoed through the auditorium, the audience applauded, and Price took a moment to proudly introduce his now-adult son to the crowd.
“Dr. Gilroy has been a guiding force in my career,” said Price. “Performing 'Wild Wyatt'—a piece that holds deep meaning for my family—was about celebrating his influence as a former Modesto City Schools educator and sharing the joy of music and storytelling with these talented students.”
Music with a Message
The tone of the performance quickly shifted with 'Fragile,' a haunting piece from Randall Standridge’s “The Unbroken Project,’ dedicated to mental health awareness. Price described it as evocative and raw, highlighting its mission to spark conversations and break mental health stigmas. The students performed with heartfelt intensity, turning the music into a powerful expression of empathy and understanding.
Price described 'Wrath of the Mechanical Monsters' as an action-packed piece inspired by classic sci-fi films. He urged students to embrace the piece’s theatrical nature, emphasizing storytelling through music.
"This piece had a unique element: Every kid in the band used their pencils on the music stand," he explained. They tapped on top, then on the bottom, creating different percussive sounds to enhance the mechanical atmosphere of the piece."
With air sirens and rattling percussion, students vividly recreated the chaos and excitement of a futuristic battle scene. Price encouraged them to have fun with the performance. The students embraced the challenge, delivering an energetic and immersive performance that made the audience feel like they were part of the action.
La Loma Junior High student Eleanor Montoya was particularly moved by the experience.
"I enjoyed Mr. Price's way of conducting,” said Montoya. “His hard work motivated us to work hard, too. He put his time aside to help us achieve a greater understanding of music. Mr. Price helped me love music on a greater scale, and I don't think I would have this focus on music if it weren't for him."
A Playful and Energetic Finale
The final piece, 'Squirrel Chase,' added an element of playful intensity. One of the percussionists delivered an impressive feat, playing eight different instruments in rapid succession.
“She had them all laid out in a big U-shape,” said Price. “Watching her switch between them was amazing, hitting every cue perfectly. The students really brought their talent and energy to this piece, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Their playful enthusiasm and technical skill brought the concert to a thrilling close, leaving the audience with a lasting memory of the joy and artistry that music can inspire.
“Music isn’t just about the notes on the page. It’s about the connections we make and the memories we create. These students showed that," said Price.
“After two weeks of intense rehearsals, the honor band students were physically and emotionally exhausted,” said Ulices Chavez, Modesto City Schools K-8 Music Chair and Director of Bands and Orchestra at La Loma Junior High School. “But their focus during the concert showed how deeply they were invested in the music. That level of engagement reflects Brandon’s passion for sharing the joy of music with our students. Bravo!”