Loss of Albion student leaves community devastated
Photos by Tom Rivers: Brennan Moody played the role of John the Baptist in Albion’s production of Godspell in March 2018. That musical started with Brennan singing, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.”
ALBION – Brennan Moody’s friends sought comfort in the chorus and band rooms today. Brennan, 17, was killed in a car accident just after midnight last night.
Many of his friends woke up to the sad news today.
Brennan Moody plays the trumpet with the Albion marching band during the Memorial Day parade on May 27.
Brennan was to graduate next Friday. Three of his classmates were also injured in the accident, including one with very serious injuries.
Brennan attended the high school band awards program on Monday evening. Last Friday he won the “Golden Performance Award” at Class Night for a senior heavily involved in the music program.
Brennan has been one of the biggest stars on the stage in the school musicals the past two years.
It wasn’t long ago when he was reluctant to sing solos or draw any attention to himself.
“He didn’t realize what a good musician he was until he got brave and put himself out there,” said Mike Thaine, the high school band director.
Brennan developed confidence and made many friends through the music program.
“He found his niche in music and really blossomed,” Thaine said.
Today was the first day of Regents in the high school. There was no band or chorus, but Thaine welcomed about 80 students in the band room to share their grief.
Gary Simboli, the chorus director, encouraged Brennan’s friends to sign Brennan’s chorus robe and write a message to Brennan.
The loss has been devastating, Thaine said.
Brennan played the trumpet in the marching band, and was section leader in the brass ensemble. He played in the jazz band, and sang in the chorus, including in the men’s select and mixed choirs.
He sang solos at the Senior Tea, at Baccalaureate and in talent shows. Last month he sang with his father, Erin Moody, in the talent show, performing, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me.”
Many of Brennan’s classmates have opened their homes this afternoon so the Class of 2019 and Brennan’s other friends can be together during this difficult time.
“He was very laid back with a gentle personality,” Thaine said. “He had a lot of friends. He was one of those kids who fit into every social group.”
Brennan just earned a spot in this summer’s production of Oklahoma by the Lake Plains Players. Lance Anderson is the Players president. He also teaches voice lessons to Brennan.
“I am devastated by the death of one of my voice students, Brennan Moody,” Anderson said on Facebook today. “I watched him grow as a singer and as a person over the last two years. An amazing talent and a genuinely great guy who really loved theater and singing. I will miss our weekly lessons and talks of his future and dreams. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
