COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County School System (NCSS) was well represented at the recent Georgia Music Educator Association’s 2019 District IV Honor Band as over 30 NCSS middle and high school students were selected to perform in the prestigious event on Feb. 8-9.
“Students earning a place in this ensemble are among the most accomplished instrumentalists in our district,” said Eastside High School band director Alan Fowler. “They earned the opportunity to prepare selections for a concert and work with accomplished clinicians from across the country. In addition, they were given the chance to perform alongside students from DeKalb, Rockdale, Morgan, and Jasper County schools, Decatur City Schools and several private schools.”
According to Fowler, the students auditioned for the District IV Honor Band in December.
“The middle school students were required to play four major scales, their chromatic scale, and an etude,” Fowler explained. “They also had to sight-read a new piece of music. High school freshmen and sophomores had to play eight major scales, their chromatic scales, and a challenging sight-reading. Juniors and seniors performed 12 major scales plus a more challenging etude and sight-reading pieces.”
Fowler added that participating in the Honor Band provides students an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as musicians.
“First, I believe any time students are able to perform for an appreciative crowd there is great benefit,” said Fowler. “But beyond that, participating in the honor band audition process is a tremendously valuable experience and actually playing in an honor band allows students to sit next to, learn with, and perform alongside other fine musicians from across the district. Working with other directors besides their own affords students the opportunity to learn from folks who may say things differently and have other approaches to directing than their own directors. When kids go back to their home school, what they can share is priceless and helps their peers at home improve. Honor bands are a long and valued tradition around the globe.”
NCSS students selected for the 2019 Georgia Music Educators District IV Honor Bands include:
- Aeryn Barrentine, Alcovy, Oboe
- Sam Dage, Alcovy, Clarinet
- Kayla Edwards, Alcovy, Tenor Sax
- Taylor Stevens, Alcovy, Euphonium
- Daniel Dunn, Alcovy, Trumpet
- Annslee Dunn, Alcovy, Trombone
- Christian Chasse, Alcovy, Trombone
- Justin Banks, Alcovy, Trombone
- Theo Davis, Alcovy, Clarinet Alternate
- Rafael Soria, Eastside, Flute
- Justice Nicholson, Eastside, Flute
- Taylor Nealy, Eastside, Clarinet
- Jose Portillo, Eastside, Clarinet
- Sean Yancey, Eastside, Bass Clarinet
- Austin O'Brien, Eastside, Percussion
- Duncan Jourdan, Eastside, Clarinet
- Jonathan Sugg, Eastside, Horn
- Joseph Bickel, Eastside, Euphonium
- Van Nipper, Eastside, Oboe Alternate
- Brent Singleton, Eastside, Horn Alternate
- Jordan Hill, Newton, Percussion
- Karina Carillo, Newton, Trumpet
- Julia Kolt, Newton, Horn
- Isaiah Dawson, Newton, Trumpet Alternate
- Ariyah Dawson, Cousins,Clarinet
- Zoey Forbes, Cousins, Euphonium
- Rylan Hany, Cousins, Clarinet
- Dakota Cooper, Indian Creek, Clarinet
- Ja'Briel Anderson, Liberty, Tuba
- Justin Doepke, Newton County Theme, Trombone
- Kenneth Fray, Newton County Theme, Clarinet
- Nathan Walsh, Newton County Theme, Percussion
