UPDATE: Feb. 21, 2008
Harrison McComb will be playing with the JH Symphonic Band under the direction of composer/conductor Robert W. Smith, Feb. 23 at 7 P.M at the Saroyan Theatre.
Although the season ended for the marching band, a few students continue their musical performances with audition-based bands. The California Band Director?s Association (CBDA) held blind auditions for the California State Honor Band in December.
Of the 1,500 students who auditioned, Harrison McComb, ?12, received first chair for tenor saxophone in the junior high symphonic band, which recognizes him as the best in the entire state. Approximately 50 students received positions in the band.
?I was a little nervous, even though it wasn?t a live audition,? McComb said. ?When Mr. Loomis and I did the audition, we went through many takes. I was shocked when I found out that I was in the symphonic band and not in the concert band.?
The junior high symphonic band, directed by Robert W. Smith, boasts the highest skill level for students. The CBDA (California Band Director’s Association) Annual Conference will be held in Fresno at the Convention Center and Saroyan Theatre from Feb. 21-24. McComb will play in the JH Symphonic Band under the direction of composer/conductor Robert W. Smith, Feb. 23 at 7 P.M.
?In order to be chosen you have to have the highest quality of musicianship possible,? Loomis said. ?Members of these ensembles have been recognized in the past as the leaders in their school, city, county and state.?
The directors have high expectations for the young musicians in the honor band.
?I love how the people in the band are there for a reason,? McComb said. ?They all love to play music. I like playing because I enjoy it and others enjoy hearing it.?
The bands will perform at the CBDA?s Annual Conference at the Convention Center and Saroyan Theatre in Downtown Fresno, Feb. 21-24.
?This convention brings together the state band directors for four days,? Loomis said. ?Numerous sessions are geared at teaching teachers the latest techniques, exposing them to new music, and giving the musical instrument industry an opportunity to show off the latest instruments for sale.?
The high school honor band auditions for the Fresno-Madera Counties Music Education Association (FMCMEA) took place Jan. 19.
Among the campus students who passed the audition process, Andrew Biehler, ?08, received first chair for the baritone saxophone section. Chelsea Joy, ?09, also passed the audition process for the clarinet section.
?I really enjoy it,? Joy said. ?It?s a way to get together with kids in the county who know how to play music. They can get the music and play it, we don?t have to work on the basics of the song.?
The honor band will practice their music together three times to prepare for the FMCMEA concert at Reedley High School, Jan. 26.
?I really like playing in the band,? Biehler said. ?It?s so much different than our band because there are so many more people. They also have a variety of instruments that our band doesn?t have.?
