Area students earn All-District Band honors
The North Carolina Bandmasters Central District has announced its roster for the 2011 All-District Honor Bands. Three students from Asheboro City Schools, one from Randleman Middle School and one from Providence Grove High School earned spots in these prestigious bands through competitive audition with students from the Central District, which includes all schools from Randolph County to (and including) Wake County and north to the Virginia border, including Guilford County.
Dave Beitzel, a junior trombone player at Asheboro High School, was selected for the 11-12 Wind Ensemble and, by being among the top three players, qualified to audition for the all-state band. Guest conductor/clinician for the band will be Dr. Stephen Peterson, Director of Bands at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York.
Daniel Lee, a sophomore trombone player at Asheboro High School, was selected for the 9-10 Wind Ensemble and also qualified to audition for all-state. Brian Balmages, a prominent composer of wind band music based in Maryland, will conduct the 9-10 Wind Ensemble, including the world premiere of his new composition commissioned by the Central District. Phil Homiller and Suzanne Benhart direct the Asheboro Band program.
Elise King, a senior clarinetist at Providence Grove High School, earned a position in the 9-12 Symphonic Band conducted by the 2009 CDBA Award of Excellence winner Arris Golden, who teaches in Orange County, North Carolina. The Providence Grove Band is under the direction of Eric Gee.
The High School Honor Band concert will be presented at 7 PM on Saturday, January 29th at Northern Guilford High School. The concert will also be streamed live on the internet. Contact a director of one of the above students for further information.
Bishop Sites, an 8th grade trombonist at North Asheboro Middle School was selected for the Middle School Concert Band. The Concert Band will be conducted by Ms. Heather Turner. Scott Benhart directs the NAMS bands.
Megan Stoltzfus, an 8th grade flute player at Randleman Middle School was selected for the Middle School Symphonic Band, the top middle school ensemble. Kindra Ingram is the director of the RMS band program. The Symphonic band will be conducted by Dr. Jennifer Stewart-Walter, Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
The middle school concert will be presented at 3 PM on Saturday, February 5th at Eastern Guilford High School.