For the first time in two years, band students from across the state were back in front of judging panels competing for spots in their Districts’ Honor Bands, Region Bands, and the All-State Band. 7th and 8th grade students participated in their first audition since the Covid-19 pandemic halted these activities two years ago. Oak Hill Middle School had 14 students travel to Warner Robins on December 4th to audition with over 200 other middle school students from the Georgia Music Educators’ Association District 11.
Audition requirements include playing four major scales, the chromatic scale, and a short prepared etude (short piece for study). Additionally, students have to sight read a short piece. Sight reading is a process where the students perform short piece they have never seen nor heard after a 30 second study period. Among the Oak Hill auditionees four students earned seats in the District 11 symphonic band: Christina Jasso-Rios (8), 6th chair clarinet; Jeremiah Thomas (8), 6th chair trumpet; Kiersten Stanley (7), 3rd chair tuba; Tristen Ingram (8), 1st chair french horn. Thomas, Stanley, and Ingram also scored high enough to advance to the second round of All-State auditions to be held in January where they will compete with each districts’ top students from across the state to try to earn a spot in the 2022 All-State Band.
Directors Elise Allen and Trent Henderson commented how proud they are of these students, especially the 7th graders who tried out with only a few months of preparation. Band students from Baldwin High School auditioned on December 11th. The directors and staff of the Baldwin Band program, which begins in 3rd grade and progresses through 12th grade, are working hard to grow the program with quality young musicians to represent our schools and community with the utmost passion.
Henderson also expressed, “We would like to thank our principal, Mr. Ray, Dr. Price, Mr. Jay Wucher and our school system for showing unwavering support for the fine arts in Baldwin County and to our community for the many ways you contribute to the young people in our schools.”
Picture ref:
Back Row L-R: Keaton Dietz-Sax, Kaden Guy-Trumpet, Kennedi Stephens-Trumpet, Lailyann Delgado Arizmendi-Flute, Jamaya Simmons, Sax, Takerria Haynes-Clarinet
Front Row L-R: Jeremiah Thomas-6th Chair Trumpet, Tristen Ingram-1st Chair Horn, Christina Jasso-Rios-6th Chair Clarinet, Kiersten Stanley-3rd Chair Tuba
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