Thomas County Central High School Bands program had 50 musicians selected for District Honor Band, with 21 of those advancing to the second round of auditions for All-State Band.
"Our students were well prepared for this event," director Michael Thomas said. "We are truly respectful of the talent and rigor displayed by every TCC musician. Their results speak to their commitment to excellence.”
Auditions were held on Saturday, Dec. 12, in Crisp County. Schools involved included TCCHS, Albany High, Americus/Sumter, Brooks Co., Cairo High, Colquitt, Crisp County, Deerfield/Windsor, Dougherty High, Early County, C. A. Gray, Lee County, Monroe, Pelham, Thomasville, Tift County, Westover and Worth County.
“I'm very proud of our representation at District Honor Band,” assistant director Paul Johns said. “Our students who made it are among the best players in south Georgia. Our students have worked very hard during and after school this entire first semester."
TCCHS students accepted into the 9th-10th District Honor Band are: (flutes) Bret Hendricks, C’Lee Kornegay, Mary Beth Wise, Michaela Gandy, Hailey Kiser; (bassoon) Amber Allen; (clarinets) Isabel Merritt, Ann Guo, Kennedy Ward; (alto saxophone) Amber Allen, Eric Webb; (bari-saxophone) Will Baillargeon; (horn) Emily Owens, Zach Sharpe; (trumpet) Sierra Stephens; (trombones) Michael Moody, Caleb Moore, Olivia Osgatharp; (tuba) Caleb Moore; (percussion) Joseph Riglioni.
“I feel honored that I was a good enough musician to make District Honor Band,” freshman Caleb Moore, 15, said.
Sophomore C’Lee Kornegay, 15, wanted to audition because it was a challenge and a chance to meet other musicians.
Both Moore and Kornegay said they spent numerous hours practicing and rehearsing for auditions. Being selected for DHB, Kornegay said, is validation of that effort.
“Hard work pays off,” she said.
TCCHS students who earned a slot on the 11th-12th District Honor Band include: (flutes) Jessi Hopland, Madison Everett, Nicole Baker, Zoey Merritt, Hailey Bryan; (oboe) Beth Sharpe; (bassoon) Katricia Fann; (clarinets) Kristen Gaitani, Laken Rutland, Zarah Varney, Caitlin Mae Simmons; (alto saxophone) Chelcie Nix; (bari-saxophone) Austin Kelley; (horn) Lillie Horton; (trumpets) Eli Kosciw, Isabel Medellin, Elizabeth Alford, Justin Strickland, Tyler Johnson, Maria Davis, Morgan Allen; (trombone) Logan Leik, Kaleb Goss, Gabriele Nieves, Chandler Watson, Camille Sowell; (baritone) Connor McCardel, Christine Hollingsworth; (tuba) Drucilla Thomas, Williams Redfern; (percussion) Ethan Hopper, Austin Ridley.
“Being first chair at district is a huge honor,” senior Jessi Hopland said. “It really boosts confidence in my playing abilities.”
Junior Eli Kosciw, 17, made DHB last year and welcomed the opportunity to audition for a second year.
“Last year was a great experience, to play with other great musicians around the district,” he said. “I wanted to have that chance again.”
Students advancing to the next leg of All-State auditions are: Elizabeth Alford (trumpet), Amber Allen (bassoon), Will Baillargeon (baritone sax), Nicole Baker (flute), Madison Everett (flute), Jessi Hopland (flute), Ethan Hopper (percussion), Lillie Horton (horn), Austin Kelley (baritone sax), C’Lee Kornegay (flute), Eli Kosciw (trumpet), Logan Leik (trombone), Isabel Medellin (trumpet), Gabriel Nieves (trombone), Olivia Osgatharp (trombone), Austin Ridley (percussion), Joseph Riglioni (percussion), Camille Sowell (trombone), Justin Strickland (trumpet), Drucilla Thomas (tuba), and Chandler Watson (trombone).
Kosciw said he will be practicing every day to prepare for the audition.
“I’m glad that my practice and dedication put in came through and I was able to show my talent,” he said. “I think it is enthralling to get to go to the next level.”
Hopland said moving on to all-state auditions “is nerve wracking.”
“There are so many amazing musicians in Georgia,” she said. “I would love to be the first person in my class from this school to make all-state.”