Wlaf1450Outstanding trumpeter Cooper Sammons shines at 2025 Governors School for the Arts
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,†said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Cooper Sammons, a member of the Campbell County High School Band, is heading into his senior year at full speed. From May with August quickly approaching, it’s been a short though fast moving summer for the young man who plays trumpet with an unmatched passion.
Without a doubt, attending The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts has been Sammons’ summer highlight that will serve as a life long memory. He auditioned in January by way of a virtual audition on YouTube. “It was the first time I’d auditioned, and a lot more than the audition went into being accepted; letters of recommendation, test scores,” said Sammons. A chance to attend the school is available to rising juniors and seniors.
“I’m really excited about attending The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, and I’m grateful to all those who helped me get there. The school’s fee is pretty hefty. I’m especially thankful for the help from the Dominick Zupancic Memorial Scholarship,” said Sammons.
Starting June 7, Sammons endured three vigorous weeks of practice and rehearsals at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) at Murfreesboro in the Music building. Weekdays ran from 8:30am to 7pm with classes, lunch and more classes followed by dinner, ending with an activity; varied musical performance, etc. “We had a concert every Saturday, and on Sundays, we had a full school event for the most part and then one rehearsal,” said Sammons.
Sammons was one of only nine students across the entire state, who play trumpet, to be accepted into the exclusive summer program. “It was a great honor to be able to go. I learned a lot, and the timing was right. This was a good sample to see if I wanted to follow up with a major in music in college. Those three weeks confirmed that I want to teach and be a band director,” said Sammons. He still has open options though he’s leaning toward the University of Tennessee, and Sammons would like to be a member of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band.
ETSU and Vanderbilt are also schools on Sammons’ list of possible schools. “The trumpet professor put MTSU on my radar, and I’m considering applying there,” said Sammons.
Sammons career in music began in middle school when a friend said “join band, you’ll enjoy it”. From there, the passion about music grew. “I’ve made a lot of friends and have met so many people,” said Sammons.
Mondays through Saturdays, Sammons practices 90-minutes to two hours a day, usually between 4pm and 6pm. Sunday’s a rest day.
The biggest influence for Sammons comes from his band directors, Adam Wright and Tiffany Braden. ” My biggest encouragers are my parents, Mark and Tracy Sammons,” said Cooper Sammons.
The beat goes on for Cooper Sammons back here at home with rookie camp set for later this week for the newcomers to the Campbell County High School Marching Band. Senior year officially begins for Sammons when his last CCHS Band Camp opens on Monday, July 21, and he’ll be sharing what he’s learned at Governor’s School with his fellow band members.
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,†said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/14/2025-6AM)