Newton County School System students were out in full force recently representing the school district in the Georgia Music Educator Association’s 2017 District IV Honor Band. This year 49 very talented NCSS middle and high school students were selected to participate in the prestigious bands.

“Students earning a place in this ensemble are among the most accomplished instrumentalists in our district,” said Cousins Middle School band director Christine Kraemer. “They had an opportunity to prepare selections for a concert and work with accomplished clinicians from across the country.  In addition, they had the chance to perform alongside students from DeKalb, Rockdale, Morgan, and Jasper County schools, Decatur City Schools and several private schools.”

According to Eastside High School band director, Alan 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 2017 Georgia Music Educators District IV Honor Bands are listed below.