Thomas County Central High School Bands members have earned more positions than any other school in the district in the 2016 South Region Honor Band Competition.
Auditions were held in Cordele on Dec. 12. Musicians selected for the band were announced this month, and 16 TCCHS students were selected.
“It feels so good to win after all the hard work we have put in,” honoree Drucilla Thomas said.
The South Region Honor Band gives students the opportunity to take the high skill levels they have attained and place themselves in a competitive environment.
“It is great to be a part of this band and to represent my school in this competition,” honoree Justin Strickland said.
The TCCHS 9-10 grade band members chosen are: Amber Allen (bassoon), Celia Kornegay (flute), Will Baillargeon (baritone saxophone), Olivia Osgatharp (trombone), Micheal Moody (trombone), Chandler Watson (trombone), Caleb Moore (tuba), and Joseph Riglioni (percussion).
The TCCHS 11-12 grade band members selected are: Jessi Hopland (flute), Eli Kosciw (trumpet), Justin Strickland (trumpet), Isabel Medellin (trumpet), Gabriel Nieves (trombone), Logan Leik (trombone), Camille Sowell (trombone), and Drucilla Thomas (tuba).
“Each one of these students has so much to offer and to see them attain these goals is a proud Yellow Jacket moment,” TCCHS Bands Director Michael Thomas said. “I hope they will all do their best to pass their experience, knowledge and support to the many others in our band program as they prepare for similar goals for 2017.”
Band members began practicing in the spring in preparation for auditions. Band members who try out must learn about time management, consistent work ethic, problem solving, and dealing with a competitive environment.
“Months of planning, consistent practice and determination have paid off,” Thomas said.
The South Region Honor Band weekend will be held April 14-16 on the Valdosta State University campus. All region musicians will play a concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.
“I have no doubt that this group will create memorable musical work this April as members of the South Region Honor Band and represent our TCCHS spirit of excellence,” Thomas said.