This blustery weekend, young musicians from several area high schools were invited to participate in the 2019 Kent State All-Star Band. In spite of the inhospitable weather, eight CHS students and their families braved the elements to take advantage of this prestigious honor.
This honor band opportunity brought over 175 high school students to Kent State’s main campus for a fun and intense two days of music making. In late fall, band directors from across Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania nominated 350 students for participation in this honor; only 175 were chosen to participate.
Students were selected to participate in either the seventy-five member Honors Wind Symphony, or the 100-piece Honors Symphony Band. Dr. Matthew Luttrell, Director of Bands at MSU Texas served as the special Guest Conductor for the Honors Wind Symphony, while Dr. Jesse Leyva conducted the All-Star Symphonic Band.
Crestwood High School Band Director Rachel Blenman Caldwell nominated the Crestwood High School students. They included Lilly Engelhart (flute), Amelia Wysong (clarinet), Matt Roth (clarinet), Max Maretka (alto saxophone), Alex Tosi (alto saxophone), and Stephen Glova (percussion), who participated in the Wind Symphony. Breanna Teece (trumpet), and Payton McMahon (trombone) performed in the All-Star Symphonic Band.
Although each musician received the music several weeks in advance, the group had only seven hours to work together, due to this weekend’s inclement weather conditions. Typically they convene for 11 hours to practice. Although originally scheduled for an evening performance, the concert was rescheduled for 1 pm due to the pending winter storm. In spite of the limited time together, the performance was exemplary.
“The concert was fantastic,” remarked proud parent Carolyn Wysong. “Cartwright Hall on Kent’s campus was the perfect auditorium for a concert. The setting was beautiful.”
