Lauren Pickett, a percussionist from Piggott High School, has signed her commitment to play in the new band at Williams Baptist University. Pickett signed Wednesday afternoon during a ceremony on the Williams campus.
“We are delighted to sign Lauren, because she brings the skills needed for a successful university band. We are also very pleased to have a product from this outstanding Piggott band program, with all the great things Jeremy Wortham and his students are doing at PHS,” said WBU Director of Bands Brady Massey.
Pickett has received highest marks at solo and ensemble competitions, as well as concert assessment, and she was part of the PHS marching band that finished second in the state of Arkansas in its class last year.
She is the daughter of Barbara & Arden Koyle. She was joined at the ceremony by her parents and her brother, Wyatt. Also taking part were Massey, WBU President Dr. Stan Norman and Academic Dean Dr. Brad Baine.
Williams will launch its band program this fall with Massey at the helm. The WBU director of bands comes to Williams after a lengthy and distinguished career at Pocahontas High School, in addition to bands in Trumann, Hoxie and Jonesboro schools, as well as Arkansas State University.
Williams is a Christian, liberal arts university in Walnut Ridge.