“You are the light that only brightens and never dims, no matter the circumstance.”Senior & CSS Lifer Morgan H. on Band Director Brent Moorhead
On April 14, 2026, the Middle and Upper School bands filled the Tutt Field House with energy and talent for their Spring Concert. The evening featured memorable performances, but the moments that followed the music made the night truly unforgettable.
Recognizing Excellence
Before the concert concluded, several students were honored for their years of dedication to the CSS band program.
Sophomores Tyler J. and Erika M. received their Varsity Band Letter and one bar, representing their freshman and sophomore years. Juniors Ben M., Ben Mc., Lawrence G., Phoebe H., Melinda H., Eloise K., and Brody Y. each received their Varsity Band Letter and two bars. Seniors Coltin B., Morgan H., Tristan K., Hudson S., Wyatt N., and Keeton V. received their Varsity Band Letter, Senior Star, and three bars — a symbol of four full years of commitment to the program.
The seniors also made a special request: that Band Director Brent Moorhead's daughter, Maddy M., receive an honorary Varsity Band Letter. A CSS student from PreK through 8th grade and a member of the Class of 2026, Maddy has never truly left the program. Over the years, she has continued to play in the CSS pep band and graduation band, helped set up and tear down for concerts, attended athletic events and theatre productions, and mentored young clarinetists along the way. It was a fitting and moving tribute to someone who has given back simply out of love for the CSS community.
A Tribute to Mr. Mo
To close the evening, the six seniors took the microphone one by one to honor Mr. Moorhead, known affectionately as Mr. Mo. What followed was a series of heartfelt, personal tributes that moved the room and made clear just how deep his impact runs.
Morgan H., a lifer who joined CSS in Kindergarten, spoke about how Mr. Mo's daughter Maddy was in their class — and how, in stepping into Maddy's life, Mr. Mo quietly adopted all of them too. She reflected on his unwavering presence throughout her entire time at CSS. "He always ensures that students are happy, feeling fulfilled, and most importantly, are listened to. He is our dad at school, so when we disappoint him, it hurts a little extra. But when we make him proud, it makes us understand. It was all worth it," Morgan said. "He is the sure-thing I've had my whole time here, and I couldn't be more grateful for it."
She noted that every Batman reference will forever be tied to Mr. Mo and his enormous posters, and that his "bang head here" sign will always bring a smile when frustration sets in. She closed with characteristic warmth: "I think you get the point, but I'll say it again, thank you. You are pretty freakin' awesome. You are the light that only brightens and never dims, no matter the circumstance."
Coltin B., also a lifer since Kindergarten, described Mr. Mo as a "team dad, father, or some may say pops" — someone who is equal parts supportive and accountable. After officially joining the band in 5th grade, Coltin made a habit of stopping by at lunch every single day, and it was there that their bond truly took root. Mr. Mo mentored him on the trumpet and, just as importantly, gave him a safe space to process his emotions during some of his hardest moments.
"There is no way for me to show how thankful I am for you, Mr. Mo, how you taught me, if I see someone on the side of the road changing a tire, to pull over and help," Coltin said. "Every time I see my trumpet case, I think of everything you have done for me during my lowest. I'm grateful I can remember you in college on game day when I am playing for Wofford College's pep band." He closed by extending his gratitude on behalf of all of CSS: "Thank you from my heart, the seniors and their parents, and from all of CSS through the years."
Tristan K. shared a memory that spoke to Mr. Mo's willingness to say yes. When Tristan approached him about adding piano to his work in clarinet, the answer was simple. "You said, 'let's give it a shot,'" Tristan recalled. "You gave me the opportunity that I didn't think I had at the moment. Now, for a couple of years, I've been playing piano at concerts, and I wouldn't have been able to do that without you, so thank you."
Keeton V. remembered first visiting CSS as a prospective 9th grader, struck immediately by how kind and welcoming Mr. Mo was — and by the fact that he could bring his upright bass into the band program. "Band these four years have been great. I've learned a lot of music, and I've gotten closer to a lot of people because of it, so thank you," Keeton said.
Wyatt N., a lifer since PreK, was introduced to Mr. Mo through his older brother Estin, a 2020 graduate. "He and Mr. Mo are the reason I started to get into band and arts," Wyatt said. That introduction led to years of growth, from finding his fit with the alto saxophone to branching out to the bari saxophone this year under Mr. Mo's guidance. "It's something I will not only continue for the rest of my life, but I can't wait to continue playing in college," he said. "Thank you so much, Mr. Mo."
Hudson S. kept it simple and closed the tributes the only way that felt right. "Like Mr. Mo, I can't make it through without shedding a tear or two, so I'll have to suffice for saying thank you for all you've done for us."
The tributes came as a complete surprise to Mr. Mo, and the room felt every word. Parents, students, and faculty laughed, wiped tears, and cheered after each speaker, making clear that the seniors were not alone in their gratitude. It was a fitting close to a night that celebrated over two decades of Mr. Mo pouring himself into the CSS community — and the community pouring it right back.
