GOING PLACES—Austin Baar (percussion), Tessa Powers (oboe), Madalyn Steffen (flute) and East Rockford Middle School Band Director Mrs. Rebecca Kilgore-Longtin.
Three students from East Rockford Middle School were selected to participate in the All-State Middle School Band.
The selection process involved an audition process that included sight reading, scales and a prepared etude. Over 2,300 middle school students from around the state competed for a coveted spot in the concert. Three days of rehearsals culminated in a concert given at DeVos Performance Hall on January 23, 2010. The Middle School Band was directed by the renowned guest conductor Dr. Andrea DeRenzis Strauss.
The honored students only had three rehearsals to practice together on five new pieces of music before their performance in front of the lights and crowds at DeVos Hall. Between rehearsals, the students had an opportunity to visit the Michigan Music Conference, as well as attend concerts by the famous Boston Brass and the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra.
The All-State Middle School Band was sponsored by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association
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