Instrument(s): Baritone Saxophone

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Fulfilling

Most Memorable Moment:

When I got to march Bari Sax for the first time freshman year, I was told I probably wouldn’t be able to do it. It was memorable because I got to prove everyone wrong that didn’t believe in me. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

I will miss the bonds that I’ve made over the years which have made this program truly feel like a 2nd family to me. I will also miss spending all of my fall doing something marching band related, after 10 consecutive years of being surrounded by it. 

Director’s Note:

What a pleasure it has been to have you in our program and to see you grow up through the years. I remember, when your sister started in the band, seeing you at the concerts. Then, all of a sudden, you were in the band as well. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I know that whatever you do in your future, you will do exceptionally because of your attitude towards life. May the Father bless you in all that you do and become.

-Chris Warpool

Instrument: Flute

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Growth

Most Memorable Moment:

Making finals at State with Checkmate was a great memory. It didn’t matter to us what placement we got; we reached our goal and were all so happy and proud of ourselves! Both runs went great that day, and we left the field knowing we’d put it all out there. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

The People! Our members are the heart of the program and I love the community we’ve built. 

Musical Achievements:

All-County Honor Band 2023 and 2024

Superior Rating with Distinction Solo and Ensemble

Director’s Notes:

First, thank you for being a part of our band for all these years. Your smile is infectious and brightens every room you walk into. Your talents are not only music, but your visual art, is incredible. You and your family are special to me because of the love and support you gave me through the difficult times that I was going through with my stepfather. Thank you! 

-Chris Warpool

One of my favorite things about Georgia is how unafraid she is, not a daredevil or combative unafraidness, but a confident and controlled unafraidness. Georgia knows her limits and won't take on something unless she can follow through with it, which is evidence of her immense maturity.  

-Giselle Goad

Instrument: Trumpet

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Memorable

Most Memorable Moment:

For me, two of the most memorable performances was our 2023 HGI performance and our 2022 TN Div 2 State finals performance. In both cases, I felt like I left everything on the field. The state final became extra-special to me after knowing that it was Ms Goad’s last season with us. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

I will miss all of our after-rehearsal shenanigans, the laughs with staff as well as the younger folks, and being so heavily involved at WHHS. I will miss being able to meet up with friends on competition days, the rewarding performances, and band camp. 

Musical Achievements:

TNMEA (TN All-State) 2023

TN Mid-State Gold Band/3 years; Silver Band/2 years

TN Governors School for the Arts, 2023

Curb Youth Symphony 2023-2024 and 2024-2025; Principal Trumpet 2024-2025

HGI Soloist Award 2023

All-County Honor Band 2022, 2023, 2024

WHHS BOP Outstanding Student 8th Grade and Sophomore year

NAAWS Youth Honor Band Principal Trumpet 2023

Trevecca Wind Ensemble 2023

TAPS Across America, 4 years

Director’s Notes:

Isabella is a phenomenally talented student. She allows her faith to guide her and always

defers to God when things don’t make sense or when things seem uneasy. She is a

cornerstone of the band program and will be surely missed.

-Dalton Hawkins

It has been a joy to watch Isabella's work ethic and passion take her to places no White House band student had been in years. Isabella's leadership in and out of the band room has inspired future leaders at White House for years to come, where she will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark.  

-Giselle Goad

Words cannot express how proud of you that I am. The attention to detail in all things in your life is a rare quality that is not found in just anyone. Watching you come into sixth grade band and growing though the years has made me a better teacher and person. The unwillingness to give up has inspired me in ways you will never know. They say the greatest form of flattery is the people that you bring through life who want to do what you do for the next generation. The Lord will bless you in all things in your future, no matter what you choose to do in life.   

-Chris Warpool

Instrument(s): Flute, Piccolo, and Oboe

Role: Drum Major

Years in WHBOP: 3

One word to sum up your experience:

Eventful

Most Memorable Moment:

The very end of our last performance of Checkmate, and looking into the crowd afterward.

What They’ll Miss the Most:

I will miss all the friends I have made through this activity, the people I’ve helped and those who helped me in return.

Musical Achievements:

I've grown and learned many things from multiple instruments I've learned how to play. I have also gotten the honor of being the drum major/conductor of the BOP for 3 years.

Director’s Note:

Izzy is compassionate and always ready to lead in any situation. She is dependable and will always offer a hand to anyone in need.

Izzy has offered a very specific role within our leadership that I hope the future holds close to their hearts and allows her example to guide them within our program. 

Izzy is a flute player first but she is also a drum major, she has marched baritone, is always offering to take people home, and is the proud carrier of the "Mom Bag" to all rehearsals.

Izzy is a natural educator. She is always ready to assist in teaching and always prepared to help a struggling friend. Her goals of becoming a vocal educator are right in front of her and she is full steam ahead! I can't wait to see her positively impact the world of music education as she has impacted the Band of Pride.

My appreciation for Izzy is hard to put into words. As a new director coming in for her Senior year, she had every reason to be frustrated and untrusting of me. At times, I'm sure she didn't understand my expectations or why I was asking her to do what I was asking, but her answer was always simply, "Okay". She never slammed the brakes or pushed back. She supported me in every stride I made this year and I will always be grateful for the trust and leadership she has offered me. She is going to be a fantastic educator, an incredible adult, and she will continue to be an amazing friend. Thank you Izzy!

-Dalton Hawkins

Instrument: Clarinet and Saxophone

Role: Field Commander

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Life-Changing

Most Memorable Moment:

The 2023 State Finals Performance. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

The friendships and band competitions. 

Musical Achievements:

All-County Honor Band 2022, 2023, 2024

Mid-State Silver Honor Band 2023

NAAWS Youth Honor Band 2023

MTSU High School Honor Clarinet Choir 2023 and 2024

Trevecca Wind Ensemble 2023

SEPA Woodwind Trio Superior with distinction 2024

Director’s Notes:

Jakob is a kind, brother to every single person in the White House Band. He is always

available to help, always willing to solve, and always prepared to exceed. His example has

created lots of success for our program and for that I am grateful!

-Dalton Hawkins

Throughout high school, Jakob harnessed his work ethic and competed with himself. It was so fun to watch as he picked up new instruments and applied himself, meeting goals and inspiring future leaders of the BOP along the way. Jakob will make an excellent educator one day, and his students will be lucky to know him.       

-Giselle Goad

Incredible job with your band career at White House! The leadership you show is going to resonate with the younger generation for years to come.  Even though I confuse your name with your brother from time to time, just know that I appreciate everything you do for me and our band family. Best of luck for your future as a band director! 

-Chris Warpool

Instrument: Bass Clarinet

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Rewarding

Most Memorable Moment:

When we placed 6th at state last year. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

The friendships I’ve made across the band, especially with the underclassmen. 

Musical Achievements:

Mid-State Alternate 2023

All-County Honor Band 2023 and 2024

Director’s Notes:

Thank you for being you! The kindness you show is never underappreciated. I am thankful for you and the years that you have poured into our band program. I know you will go far in whatever direction you take your life. I am very proud of you and privileged to have gotten to know you over the years.  

-Chris Warpool

Katie is one heck of a dedicated and hardworking student. She applies herself diligently inside and outside the band room and does so with a sense of humor. Oh, and she has a pretty good music taste, too.    

-Giselle Goad

Instrument: Tenor Saxophone and Clarinet

Years in WHBOP: 1

One word to sum up your experience:

Assiduous 

Most Memorable Moment:

Someone panicking about someone playing at a competition. 

Director’s Notes:

MY MAN! Laraun is a special member of the White House Band. He is always smiling, always supportive, and always ready to pitch in when asked. While Laraun hasn’t always been at White House, I am so thankful that our paths crossed when they did. He is a genuine young man with a heart of gold. Laraun cares about his peers and about his legacy. He puts forth the effort when required to reach a goal for the people around him, not just for himself. Laraun will be greatly missed and as he takes on the world after high school, he is surely to leave a mark in everything he does. Thank you Laraun! 

-Dalton Hawkins

Instrument(s): Trumpet 3 Years 

Color Guard: 2 years 

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Rewarding

Most Memorable Moment:

Freshman year, my drum major, a senior at the time wanted me to go and ask out a guy for her at state. Yup, I fully went up to him! Turns out it was the wrong guy. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

The friendships, if I’m going to be completely honest. The people I’ve met through this program have completely changed my life for the better. 

Musical Achievements:

MTVA honors choir 

Director’s Notes:

Laylah is one heck of a multi-talented student. I love that Laylah is never afraid to try something new, and for every new group she joins, she makes friends and finds a way to contribute positively. This ability to keep an open mind will serve her well after graduation.

-Giselle Goad

Laylah is very determined and caring. She is always trying to get better and holding the team accountable with her positivity. She always has something light to say and brings a positive energy. She will do great things and I hope to build more teaching memories with her in the future as she is a joy to have around. 

-Hope Smalley

Instrument: Clarinet

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Irreplaceable 

Most Memorable Moment:

My sophomore year, we made finals state for the first time in my high school career. Even though I was a little sick, it was an amazing experience. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

My section and all their unique personalities. My co-leader, always balancing out my logistical thinking with her bubbly, optimistic personality. Our conversations on bus rides and snack breaks, always discussing the need for snacks, or as we lovingly call them, 'munchies.' Specifically, the cold watermelon always seems like the best fruit in the heat of band camp. 

Musical Achievements:

All-County Honor Band 2021, 2022, 2023

Section Leader- 2 years

Director’s Notes:

If there was a merit badge for most involved student at WHHS, Lilly Urfer would be rockin’ that sash! She is driven, focused, and excels at prioritizing. Her goals, dreams, and aspirations far exceed White House High School and I can’t wait to see her accomplishments as she moves on to achieve them.

-Dalton Hawkins

You notice immediately upon meeting Lilly how thoughtful and perceptive she is. I remember knowing that if I were visibly stressed, Lilly would pick up on it and ask, "Ms. Goad...are you okay?" sort of joking but sort of serious. I knew Lilly was really asking. She really cares about her teachers and her peers around her. I think Lilly's perceptive nature allows her to be real and honest with others and has helped her become the leader she is today. Lilly sees issues, struggles, and inequities and acts on them. These features will serve her well as she chases new goals in college and beyond, where she will continue to make me, her family, and everyone around her proud.       

-Giselle Goad

Instrument: Tuba and Euphonium

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Memorable

Most Memorable Moment:

Our 2023 State final performance. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

The friends and memories I’ve made during my time here. 

Musical Achievements:

All-County Honor Band 2022 and 2024

SEPA Tuba Solo Superior with distinction 2024

Trevecca Wind Ensemble 2023

Director’s Notes:

Lucas is a devoted young man, to his family, his faith, and his friends. Lucas is a man among the boys and will always be remembered as a kind soul far wiser than his years. Lucas will do great things and I can’t wait to watch!

-Dalton Hawkins

My tuba brother! Thank you for everything over the years. What a pleasure it is to be a part of your growth and maturity as a person and a member of our band program. I might confuse you from time to time with your brother. You never get upset about it (or you never show it at least).  I am so very proud of you and the direction that you want to take your life.  

-Chris Warpool

Something I admire about Lucas is how mentally tough and mature he is. When I needed him on tuba, he applied himself quickly and stepped up to the plate on a tough instrument. He didn't complain - he just did it. That's the kind of kid Lucas is.      

-Giselle Goad

Instrument(s): Clarinet

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 4

One word to sum up your experience:

Wondertastic

Most Memorable Moment:

My most memorable band moments are when we all come together and play the last note of our season at state. They stick to my brain and I can still feel the energy from each one. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

I will miss all of it. Every single competition, football game, concert, and family/community performance. I will miss the bibbers that never seem to fit me right. I will miss the crisp practices and the hottest ones. I will miss getting yelled at to play louder and stronger. I will miss our uniforms no matter how stupid we may have looked. I will miss playing my clarinet in the atmosphere around me. I will miss chipped reeds, pushing percussion, and getting hit with guard flags. Most of all I will miss my favorite people the most awesome nerdiest people in the world and the community I have built around me. I will miss being a part of the greatest band that will ever exist The WHITE HOUSE BAND OF PRIDE! 

Director’s Note:

You make me smile every time I see you! Your love for others is your greatest strength and it shows in your everyday life. The way you show your love for the younger generation of band students is inspiring.  My life is blessed to have you in it. You are going to be a great influence on every single person you meet. I am so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments!  Thank you for being YOU! 

-Chris Warpool

Instrument(s): Trombone

Role: Section Leader

Years in WHBOP: 5

One word to sum up your experience:

Family

Most Memorable Moment:

When we placed 6th at state last year. 

What They’ll Miss the Most:

I will miss competitions, pep band, and sectionals. 

Musical Achievements:

All-County Honor Band

Mid-State Alternate

Winter Percussion Superior Rating at SEPA 

Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble

Director’s Notes:

From the moment you walked into my band room and decided to be a part of the band, you have been a total inspiration and blessing in my life. Thank you for being the mentor to our younger band members and to the youth group at church. You will always be special to me. Your work never goes underappreciated. Thank you for helping me through the years. Very proud of you and can not wait to see what your future holds.

-Chris Warpool

Sam is an excellent example of a well-rounded, fun student leader. You can have fun, make jokes, and be an outstanding student. I'm thankful for the lightheartedness Sam brought to rehearsals and the program. 

-Giselle Goad