BLUE SKIES AHEAD

Thrall High School band plays song to honor late former student

Editor’s note: This story is part of a collaborative effort between Thrall High School journalism students and the Taylor Press.

“When words fail, music speaks.”

The quote by author Hans Christian Andersen ran through Luke Marx’s mind as he composed a song to honor former Thrall High School classmate and U.S. Air Force Academy cadet Avery Koonce, who died in September.

“I wanted to capture Avery’s personality,” Marx said. “She was truly a light in the darkness, and my goal was to express that through music. Though I struggled to put it into words for the longest time, I just let the music speak.”

The Thrall High band premiered Marx’s song “Blue Skies Ahead” at a May 5 spring concert.

Koonce, a 2024 graduate and Tiger Band member, was a cadet 4th Class at the academy and a member of the women’s track and field team when she died last fall after a brief illness.

Marx, a 2021 graduate, met Koonce in high school when they were both in the Tiger Band. Koonce also excelled in track and field during high school.

“It represents the effect Avery had,” Marx said. “Anyone who met her walked away with a smile, and a positive memory. Avery was passionate about everything she did and made everyone around her better.”

During the writing process, Marx looked to the Air Force for inspiration, finding the title for his song in the branch’s phrase, “Blue Skies and Tailwinds,” used to wish someone a safe and enjoyable flight.

“I added the word ‘ahead’ to signify that even in our hardest moments, we must always look ahead towards the blue skies, and the good moments to come,” Marx said. “It is hard to describe the impact Avery had in her community, but anyone that was around her will always express how amazing she was.”

“Blue Skies Ahead” features what listeners described as soaring melodies and soothing harmonies.

Marx said Koonce’s personality was conveyed through the song’s light and cheerful notes.

A copy of the score, signed by the entire Tiger Band and directors, will be presented to the late Koonce’s mother, Kelly Koonce.

“I feel honored to have written this piece, but this will always be Avery’s piece,” Marx said. “I hope anyone that plays it, or hears it, will experience a small glimpse into the beautiful life Avery lived.”