There are many interesting people living in Union County. Some of them are senior citizens with fascinating tales to tell from their lives. I also discovered a couple of impressive people who are seniors at our Union County High School. I’ve known musicians most of my (long) life. Very seldom have I met one who also writes music. Landyn Hobbins has been doing this for years. He is a emotional writer who believes that music is something that everyone can relate to, and that music connects people - especially during emotional highs and lows. Landyn grew up singing with his mom, and his grandpa taught him acoustic guitar. For him, music is an easy thing to do, and he does it with a passion. His sports have been soccer and wrestling and he plays tenor saxophone in the Union County High School Band.

Landyn Hobbins will go to Carson Neuman College. His passion for helping people, his belief that music can assist people through difficult or painful times, has made him decide to get a Masters of Music Education. What Landyn likes the most about band is “watching the students who are new to their instrument grow into their skill, abilities and music”. Music education is not just a study of music or education, it is also the study of people, places, and cultures.

Landyn’s best friend, Quentin Carroll, is a trombone player and also a wrestler. They have been friends since they were in middle school band. When asked why he chose trombone, he replied that it is because it is the only instrument that has a slide. OK then. I guess that is as good a reason as any other. He says that music may be difficult, but the work is worth it. Both these young men feel that music can get you through difficult times.

Later this year, Quentin Carroll will be attending Lincoln Memorial University as his first step to earning his Doctorate in Music Therapy. Music therapists provide services for people with psychiatric disorders, cognitive and developmental disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and neurological impairments, among others. His joy of watching students learn an instrument and progress as musicians has led him in this direction.

There are only 5 seniors in the UCHS Band and all 5 came through the middle school and high school bands together. Along with Nicholas Wilson, Breanna Smith, and Janae Chapel they have all been on this journey. They’ve laughed together and, when losing a competition, cried together. And this year they will all be going their separate ways.

Staff Sergeant Marvin Glenn Helton is the high school wrestling coach. He is also a recruiter for the Army National Guard. After much thought and research, Quentin Carroll just joined the Army National Guard and is a 92 Alpha Supplier. Landyn Hobbins has been a member of the Guard for a year and a half as a 91 Bravo All Wheel Mechanic. Both students will have their education paid for by the National Guard.

Quentin and Landyn are excited about the UCHS Band joining with the Horace Maynard Middle School for the Spring Concert at 7:00 pm on May 2. Quentin will be playing a miniature tuba called a baritone (or euphonium).

And there will be a very special performance on May 18th, when the high school band will be sharing the stage with the Poet Voices, a professional Southern Gospel quartet. This Freedom Concert will include patriotic music to commemorate Memorial Day and to honor Americans, as well as Southern Gospel songs and a tribute to the Oak Ridge Boys. Tickets are $20 at the Kitchen Design Center, at the Union County Opry Con Hunley performance on May 4th, or at the door on May 18th..