Six Washougal middle school students are among those selected to play in the Clark County Honor Band. They will participate in 2 days of rehearsal, work with Mr. Dan Ogren, current Metropolitan Youth Symphony Concert Band Director, and perform in concert with other Clark County band students on Saturday, February 21, 2015.
Musicians from Jemtegaard Middle School are Emily Johnson, 8th grade, trumpet; Ian Palmer, 7th grade, percussion; and Clara Harris, 8th grade, clarinet. From Canyon Creek Middle School they are Kyle Hendrickson, 7th grade, trombone; Audrey Hinchliff 8th grade, clarinet; and William Weihl, 7th grade, percussion.
The application for Honor Band involved the students writing an essay. In the essay students shared their experience with music, band, honors, awards, and why they should be selected for an honor band. Their music instructors then ranked students in areas of musicianship, solo ability, character and responsibility, and then ranked all of the students from their school who were applying.
"I remember participating honor bands in middle and high school,” said Dr. Jennifer Bohn, music instructor at JMS. “It was a once in a life time experience working under the baton of renown conductors and performing with the best of the best. Our students will learn a great deal, perform challenging band literature, perform with students from all over Clark County, and no doubt have an incredible experience."
Having the opportunity to play music with students at a high skill level is one of the reasons Harris is excited to be in the honor band. Johnson agrees saying, “It will be a challenge to play with new people and see their different levels of skill.”
