Sequoyah High Music Facility Named For Beloved Band Director

CANTON, GA — A crowd of family, friends, former students and colleagues gathered outside Sequoyah High School Friday evening for the dedication of the school's band room in memory of the late David E. Harrison, who launched the school's marching band program and directed it for 20 years.

"Mr. Harrison was the first Band Director at Sequoyah High School and extremely instrumental in the phenomenal growth of the band program and the expansion of what is now the SHS Band Room. The impact he had with our program, as well as other high schools, universities and community bands and orchestras in Georgia was extremely meaningful and significant. He truly created a legacy around Fine Arts for children and adults alike," said Sequoyah High Principal Robert VanAlstyne in his request to the Cherokee County Board of Education for the naming honor, which was approved April 15.

Speakers for the April 30 dedication event included Superintendent Brian Hightower; daughter, Kason Sams; son, Jonathan Harrison; and friends and band supporters Rick James and Steve Bell. All shared stories and memories of Harrison and his love of his students and the arts.

"David influenced me to be a better teacher, a better servant leader, a better listener and a better person. What a legacy he left for all of us," Hightower said. "There is no one more deserving to have Sequoyah High School's music performance center named in their honor. Thank you to his wife, our dear Susan, their children and all of his family for letting us have so much of David's time and his heart."

The program closed with the Sequoyah High School "Ocean Spray" Steel Band playing one of Harrison's favorite tunes, "Margaritaville."