Thomas County Central High School Bands program student musicians continue to impress Georgia Music Educator Association District 2 Honor Band judges.
Forty-two students successfully auditioned at Crisp County High School the weekend of Dec. 7. Students could earn places in either the 9th-10th concert band or the 11th-12th symphonic band.
Students have been preparing for the competition since the beginning of the school year. They learned scales, an etude and practiced sight reading. Auditioning for district allows students to improve their skills during the process. The musicians had to overcome their nerves and play their best.
“I'm super proud of the students who made the honor band and also all of those who auditioned,” TCCHS Assistant Band Director Paul Johns said. “Making the honor band is a tremendous accomplishment.”
Junior Tommy Piland prepared for the audition since he received his etude in August. He is surprised yet happy to have made the cut.
“I’m proud to have made honor band because I was able to make second chair with a score of 92,” the tuba player said.
Junior Caitlyn Atkinson auditioned on oboe and flute. She was accepted on both instruments and is amazed at her results.
“Working hard and seeing such a positive result is always a privilege,” Atkinson said. “The flute section generally has very good players, so the competition is always tough. This makes earning a high chair feel so much better.”
Though accepted for both instruments, Atkinson plans to play flute during DHB.
“Flute is my primary instrument, and I made a higher score on it, so it only feels right to choose that instrument,” she said.
TCCHS Bands Director Michael Thomas says each trip to district honor band auditions is a learning experience, no matter if a student makes the band or not.
“That’s what makes us better and carries to the next year when we have the chance to audition again,” he said. “And we keep moving up the ladder.”
GMEA District 2 Honor Band is February 2019 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. This program includes superb clinicians conducting the bands and live performances, Johns explains.
“It is very rewarding because the kids are playing with the best musicians in South Georgia,” he said.
TCCHS Georgia Music Educator Association District 2 Honor Band Selectees
Flutes
*Caitlyn Atkinson
*Mary Beth Wise
*Michaela Gandy
Ashleigh Dodge
Bassoons
*Eric Webb
Clarinets
*Isabel Merritt
Chelsey Lawler
Lauren McGuire
Megan Clark
Kariana Colon
Karsyn Bush
Taylor Stegall
Bass Clarinet
*Julia Harper
Alto Sax
Adam Cobb
*Joshua Sharpe
Tenor Saxophones
*William Baillargeon
*Brianna Cook
Horns
*Joshua Stephens
*Emily Owens
Zach Sharpe
Kendall Roland
Addison Garcia
*Caroline Daughtry
Trumpets
*Meredith Hurst
Allie Bellamy
Logan Poppell
*Brandon Allen
Trombones
*Olivia Osgatharp
Christin Connelly
Tamia Favors
Caleb Harrell
Bass Trombone
*William Bufford
Baritones
*Michelle Cumbest
*Hunter Cosper
Tubas
*David Piland
*Caleb Moore
*Jesse Nieves
Adrian Gonzalez
Percussion
*Hailey Silvia
Jude Sowell
Case Carter
*denotes a student scored high enough to audition for all state band.