Ady Kinsley
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Jaiden Johnson, a rising senior at Madison County High School (MCHS), first joined band in the sixth grade. He’s played multiple instruments during his time in the MCHS concert, jazz and marching bands, but mainly the snare drum and keyboard.
This year, Johnson, along with fellow MCHS band member Keandre Dobson and alumni TJ Mattair, attended Florida A&M University (FAMU) High School Band Camp, where they and percussionists from across the state had the chance to meet other band students, learn new skills and perform for crowds bigger than the ones in Madison. This year, however, was different, especially for Johnson. This year, FAMU’s band camp started a new tradition. Students were able to submit their own musical compositions for the camp’s final performance. Johnson’s original composition was chosen by FAMU Director of Bands Dr. Shelby Chipman and Coordinator for Music Teacher Education, Dr. Nicholas Thomas.
“It took me like, five months to get the arrangement right,” said Johnson about the process. He has arranged pieces for the MCHS Vaquero Guard Marching Band, putting together several stand tunes for the band, but this opportunity was a much bigger deal than high school football games. He shared online, “I’m blessed to say this is one of my greatest achievements so far.”
The most impressive part is, Johnson has only been arranging music for around eight months. When he isn’t making arrangements or practicing music, he’s usually welding or fishing. He hopes to one day become a student arranger for the FAMU Marching 100.