Forney honored with director award

Greencastle-Antrim High School instrumental music teacher Samuel Forney has been named the Calvacade of Bands Director of the Year for 2009-2010.

Forney was presented the award Monday evening during the annual mid-winter concert by Mitch Adams, Cavalcade president. Forney was selected at a general membership meeting for the honor out of 80 eligible directors from a four-state region, according to Adams. The presentation drew a standing ovation from the audience in the high school auditorium.

“This is an honor especially since it is voted on by your peers,” said Forney.

“But the students are the ones that make the program work. It’s their hard work that makes it work. It’s not about one person; it’s the total staff, students and parents that form a team effort that makes it work. This award is really won by everyone.”

Forney is in his 33rd year of teaching, 27 in the Greencastle-Antrim School District. He has been the high school band director for 22 years. A G-AHS alumnus, Forney has been involved in the marching band during his tenure at Greencastle-Antrim and also helped with the local group during his college years at West Chester.

The G-AHS band has a long tradition of excellence in field band competition, which includes being a five-time Chapter VI Champion as well as an 11-time Atlantic Coast finalist. Most recent honors include the 2001 USSBA 2-A Champion, 2003 USSBA 2-A Pennsylvania State Champion, 2004 USSBA 2-Open Pennsylvania State Champion, 2005 Independence Open Champion of Cavalcade of Bands and second Place in the 2006 and 2007 American Conference Open Championships of Cavalcade of Bands.