The auditorium hummed with anticipation, and the air thickened with expectation as the audience settled into silence. Eyes were fixed on the stage, where the energy was almost electric. Brandon Price, Modesto City Schools' K-12 Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Physical Education Coordinator, stood perfectly still at the conductor's stand. With precision and grace, he lifted his baton, signaling the beginning of a night filled with music and inspiration.
For Price, this was more than a performance—it was a homecoming. A Modesto native and Beyer High School graduate, he once played in this honor band. His passion for music drove him to realize a long-held dream: returning to this stage, not as a student but as a leader, inspiring the next generation.
That evening, Price took his place as conductor of the Stanislaus County Junior High Honor Band, guiding the ensemble that had once shaped him. He was honored and humbled to lead 63 gifted students across Stanislaus County on an immersive musical journey through four carefully chosen pieces, ready to weave their talents into a tapestry of sound that would resonate throughout the hall.
Honoring a Leader in Music Education
Price 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.
Music with a Message
Price curated a program that blended artistry with emotion, beginning with Wild Wyatt, a piece by Dr. Gary Gilroy, Director of Bands at Fresno State University. Gilroy had played a pivotal role in shaping Price’s musical career. Their relationship began at Beyer High School, where Gilroy was Price’s band director, and continued at Fresno State, where he became his professor. Over time, their bond deepened beyond academics, evolving into a lasting friendship. Gilroy even became an extended part of Price’s life, joining his family on camping trips, reflecting the mentor-student connection that had flourished over the years.
Inspired by Price’s energetic son, Wyatt, the piece opened with bold rhythms—crashing cymbals, whip cracks, and powerful bass drums—perfectly capturing his fiery spirit. As the final note echoed through the auditorium, Price proudly introduced his now-adult son to the crowd, a touching moment that underscored the piece's personal significance.
“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.”
The concert then took a more introspective turn with Fragile, a haunting composition from Randall Standridge’s The Unbroken Project, dedicated to mental health awareness. With each delicate note, the piece unfolded like an emotional narrative, evoking both vulnerability and strength. 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.
Next, the program shifted gears with Wrath of the Mechanical Monsters, an exhilarating composition inspired by classic sci-fi films. Price encouraged students to embrace the theatrical nature of the piece, urging them to tell a story through their music.
"This piece had a unique element: Every student 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."
The performance was a sensory spectacle, with rattling percussion and wailing sirens immersing the audience in a cinematic world of chaos and excitement. The students’ energy and commitment to storytelling brought the music to life, making it one of the evening’s most dynamic moments.
La Loma Junior High student Eleanor Montoya, a tenor saxophonist in the band, 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, introduced an element of playful intensity. One of the percussionists delivered an impressive performance, 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.”
The students' 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.
A Lasting Impact
After two weeks of intense rehearsals, the honor band students were physically and emotionally exhausted, but their commitment shone through during the concert.
"That level of engagement reflects Brandon’s passion for sharing the joy of music with our students," said Ulices Chavez, Modesto City Schools K-8 Music Chair and Director of Bands and Orchestra at La Loma Junior High School. “Bravo!”
As the final notes faded and the applause lingered, the audience departed with hearts full, celebrating artistry, connection, and the transformative power of music.
“I wanted this program to take students and the audience on a journey through a range of emotions and styles,” said Price. "Seeing the students bring each piece to life with passion and joy was the best part of the experience."