Clare Bernheisel - Section Editor
Six DHS Band students along with two DMS Band students attended the 44th Annual UT Martin Honor Band Festival from January 26 to January 28. DHS students were Clare Bernheisel, Joshua Bernheisel, Livvie Copeland, Alfred Johnson, Jack Romero and Maddie Kate Wells. DMS students were Landon Dwors and Nia Mackey. Alyssa McClure and Alex Howell were selected as alternates, and Dariel Figueroa was selected but was unable to attend.
When the participants arrived on the UT Martin campus on Thursday, they auditioned for band and chair placements. While all middle school students were in one band, there were three differents bands for high school: Concert Band for 9th and 10th graders; Symphonic Band for 11th and 12th graders; and Wind Ensemble, which was selected from all four grades.
Once the students received their placements, they rehearsed several pieces of music within their respective bands in the evening on Thursday, all day on Friday, and in the morning on Saturday. On Saturday afternoon, the students performed in several concerts for their friends and family.
A concert was held on Friday evening featuring UT Martin music students and faculty. The participants also had the opportunity to attend masterclasses led by various UT Martin professors on Saturday morning to learn more about their instruments, technique, and band opportunities after high school.
“Honor band was a very exciting opportunity for me; I’m glad I got to meet so many great friends and learn more about percussion,” senior percussionist Livvie Copeland said.
Honor Band allowed students to learn from expert directors and music teachers, meet other student instrumentalists around the region, play challenging and interesting music, and showcase their talents through performance.
Comments