Receiving the Saied Award in instrumental music at East Central University are the students in each class who advanced the most this year. They are freshman Darren Heath (from left) of Midwest City, sophomore Rayel Schinnerer of Blanchard, junior Erica Phillips of Ada and senior Nate Sheeley of Owasso, shown with Dr. Allen Correll, ECU’s band director. The award, also based on students’ character and contribution to the music program, was established by the late James Saied, an ECU Distinguished Alumnus and founder of the Saied Music Company in Tulsa. Saied portrayed John Philip Sousa, America's “March King,” as he conducted concerts across the country, including at ECU. Saied also led the successful effort to have Sousa's “Stars and Stripes Forever” designated as America's official national march.
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