Although the band’s winter concert has already passed, the band has continued working hard. Many members have been putting in extra time outside of class to participate in concerts in the area. The first Friday after Christmas break, members of the band traveled to Ambridge High School for an all-day practice then followed by an evening performance. A week later two juniors in the band, Elias Boyd and Jesse Reinhardt, spent three days at Hopewell High School.
On Jan. 5, selected members joined others from different schools for the County Band concert and spent an entire day rehearsing at Ambridge High School. After a long day, the members performed the music they had practiced for their families and anyone else who wished to attend. There were two groups of students performing that night. The first group was composed of 7-9th graders, and the second group consisted of 10-12th grade members. Although this concert was just a chance for band members to come together and play music, there was a lot of participation from each school.
On Jan. 11, two members of the band traveled to Hopewell High School where they auditioned for a spot in the regional band. They were given all of the pieces they would be playing for the concert. They were not told what music they would audition with until after they got there. Following the audition, the next day they returned to the school for an all-day practice. This was a time for the students to get to know each other and learn more about the composers and the music they were playing. On the third day, the students went back for a brief practice before they had a lunch break in which each member received a pin they could put on their jacket. After lunch, family members gathered in the auditorium to listen to the work the students had done.
Not every one that participates in the band is also able to participate in these concerts. There is a selection process that is slightly different for each concert. For the county band, there is a director’s meeting in which all of the directors come together and discuss who will be able to participate. For the district band, the amount of participants depends on school size. This year Freedom was only allotted two spots. These numbers vary each year based on what instruments there are and where there are spots open.
Although not everyone can participate this is still a great opportunity for the members that were able to. Being able to work with others who have similar interests and the same goal in mind can help instrumentalists grow. There is also the opportunity to network for those students who wish to go further into the musical industry. While at these events, students can network with the conductors and even some of the composers, opening their eyes to a greater world of music and giving them the chance to share their knowledge with their friends and families.