Band students at Boothbay Region High School have been practicing for it since January. Seahawk Symphonic Band Director Meredith Duke has been adding and subtracting selections, but now the program for the spring concert has been finalized.

Music will fill the air once the 34 members of the school band take their seats onstage at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, and the clock strikes 7:30 p.m. May 19.

It is always a momentous occasion, this last concert for the high school's musicians. It marks the end of another year of study, another year of accomplishment on their instruments, and a time to share it all with family, friends and neighbors in a mighty fine venue. But this year, there is a bit of sadness, too, as this marks the final program Duke will conduct after 13 years of teaching.

“It's a bittersweet time,” Duke said. “I'm feeling a whole bucketful of emotions right now. They (the students) are excited for me, and they believe in me, but — they aren't very happy with me right now.”

Still, the show must go on. And on it will with Led Zeppelin's “Stairway to Heaven,” Beyoncé's “Crazy In Love” and Neil Diamond's “Sweet Caroline.” Traditional concert pieces will be works by Randall Standridge and James Swearingen and the marches will include the “Washington Post March.”

This is a free concert. The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor is located at 86 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.

Come, hear the music and support the high school band. Then, say your goodbyes and extend your well wishes to Duke who, with her family, is bound for Nashville, the place her dreams could come true.