CCISD's top middle school band performers selected for regional concert Special t
Top middle school band performers selected for regional concert
Special to Leader-Press
Music from the most accomplished middle school students in Central Texas will fill Lea Ledger Auditorium in Copperas Cove Saturday night.
Hundreds of students from more than a dozen middle schools competed for the opportunity last Saturday to perform in the all-region band performance on Saturday.
More than half of the students from S.C. Lee Junior High School that competed in the regional contest earned a coveted spot in the regional band performance this Saturday. Regional band competition is a single day event where students must arrange and adapt music for various musical combinations.
Eighth grader Alexis Lewis is one of 26 S.C. Lee Junior High students selected from the 43 students that competed. She earned first chair in the wind ensemble, the most prestigious of the regional bands.
“I did not try out last year and was too nervous to try,” Lewis said. “This year, I was nervous but was confident when I finally started playing.” Alexia Lewis
Spending just under nine hours to put together a complete concert for the competition, students earned patches and plaques to commemorate their hard work. The concert band played six songs, symphonic band played four songs, and wind ensemble played five songs.
Band director Kenneth Marina said the contest highlights the best musicians at S.C. Lee.
“The regional band competition raises the profile of the Pride of Cove Band, the town, and the individual schools,” Marina said. “The competing students are those that lead by example and hold themselves to a higher standard of performance and behavior. “
Several Copperas Cove Junior High School students were also selected to play in the regional band.
S. C. Lee eighth grader Aryanna Bilbraut, 14, returned to the contest after competing last year and being selected for the 12th chair in symphonic band.
“This year, I moved up to the top band, wind ensemble, and earned 2nd chair,” Bilbraut said.
The regional performance is free and open to the public. It begins at Lea Ledger Auditorium on the Copperas Cove High School campus, 400 S. 25th Street.
Band director Charles Fleming said the community is going to be surprised with how much hard work and talent the students have.
“These are dedicated and remarkable students with an outstanding commitment to standards and work ethic,” Fleming said. “I can’t wait for everyone to hear them play. You won’t believe your ears.”
IF YOU GO -
What: Central Texas Regional Middle School Band Concert
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 4 p.m.
Where: Lea Ledger Auditorium, 400 S. 25th Street, Copperas Cove
Why: Top band students from across Central Texas have been chosen to form a regional band and perform for the public.
Cost: Event is free and open to the public.