This year, the band proudly sent seven students to the PMEA District Band Festival, exceeding the school’s quota of five participants. Representing the program were Addison Collar, Keagan Dobo, Hilde Lautier, Emily Shingledecker, Haley Baker, Lilian DeMoss, and Hannah White. Exceeding the quota is always a remarkable achievement for the students and the music department.

On the morning of February 5th, the students traveled to East Juniata High School, where they would spend the next several days fully immersed in music. Upon arrival Thursday afternoon, rehearsals began immediately, running from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with scheduled breaks and dinner woven into the evening. From the start, the pace was intense, challenging students to adapt and collaborate with musicians from across the district quickly. 

Thursday also marked the audition process, which can be the most nerve-racking and frightening part of the festival. Auditions are typically conducted in two rounds, beginning with brass instruments and followed by woodwinds. Students are divided by instruments and part, then placed in a holding room where they receive two selected excerpts chosen by the judges. These excerpts vary by instrument and part. Though intimidating, the audition experience pushes students to perform at their very best. This year, two students, Addison Collar and Keagan Dobo, successfully passed the auditions and earned spots in the regional ensemble. 

Friday was filled with another full day of rehearsal, lasting from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Although the hours are long and demanding, the experience is extremely rewarding for the students. At the final dinner of the festival, the students receive a special treat! The band directors gather together and perform live jazz music while the students enjoy themselves. This tradition is always a highlight of the festival and helps create a fun and celebratory atmosphere for the students for the few days of hard work. While the festival requires a bunch of dedication and endurance, it is ultimately a very enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved. 

This year, the guest conductor was Matthew Brunner from Temple University. Brunner serves as the  Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music and Director of Athletic Bands in the Boyer College of Music and Dance. At Temple, he directs several bands and works closely with student musicians in a variety of ensembles. In addition to his work at the university, Brunner also serves as the Eastern Division Chair and Pennsylvania State Representative for the National Band Association, the world’s largest band organization. His leadership and experience made him an excellent choice to guide this year’s district band.

The pieces he selected for this year’s ensemble were both challenging and exciting. They pushed students to grow musically while also allowing them to perform music that was engaging, full of energy, and emotion.

The program included several remarkable pieces. Opening the program with “Fanfare of a New Era” by Pink Zebra, this piece is a dramatic and powerful fanfare with triumphant and soaring melodies. “Rest” by Frank Ticheli provided a slow and emotional contrast. Transcribed from a chorale work There Will Be Rest, the piece is filled with beautiful harmonies and moments of deep musical expression. “Synphonic Dance No. 3” by Clifton Williams portrays traditional Latin American celebrations through bright, energetic, and passionate rhythms. The Third Suite by Robert Jager added a playful yet demanding challenge. The piece included many alternating time signatures and is divided into three sections: a march, a waltz, and finishes with a lively rondo. “Neon Nights” by Katahj Copley is a piece that is so vibrant and exhilarating through all of the harmonies and hustling rhythms.  Finally, “The Thunderer” by John Philip Sousa, one of the most Iconic American marches, with lively woodwind trills and punchy brass parts, brought an energetic and fitting close to the program. 

While at this year’s regional band, guest director Dr. Julia Baumanis, Assistant Director at Rutgers University, picked an arrangement of exciting pieces for the program:

“Fanfare-Hayabusa” by Satoshi Yagisawa

“Fanfare Politeia” by Kimberly K. Archer

“Satiric Dances” by Norman Dell Joio

“A Hymn for Peace” by Kevin Day

“Illumination” by David Maslanka 

Senior Keagan Dobo reflected on how the experience helped him grow as a musician. When asked how he felt he had improved and what kept him returning each year, he explained that the festival strengthened both his discipline and his confidence. “I feel like I’ve grown in many ways through this experience,” Dobo said. “The biggest growth has been in my discipline with practicing and my self-confidence. I’ve learned not to wait until the last moment to prepare and to trust the work that I’ve put in. It’s also helped me believe in myself more as a musician and not count anything out until the results are called. You really do get out what you put into it.”

When asked what made him keep coming back, Dobo spoke about his love for the music itself. “What keeps me coming back is just how fun the music is,” he said. “Many of the pieces we’ve played in districts over the years are still some of my personal favorites. I enjoy the challenge of playing difficult music and performing with talented musicians.”

Dobo also shared his excitement about advancing to regionals. “I feel absolutely amazing about getting into regionals. It means getting another folder of challenging and exciting music, and it’s great to play with even higher-level musicians.”

First-year participant Lillian DeMoss shared her experience at the festival. “I would say the biggest challenge was the auditions,” Demoss said. “Over time, the auditions became the scariest part of the experience.”

However, she also recognized how the experience helped her realize areas where she could grow as a musician. “A way I could improve is by being more confident as a musician and really starting to go after opportunities like this,” she explained. “The overall experience was a wake-up call for me. Even if I’m playing the right notes, there is still so much more I could do musically.”

Overall, the district band festival was an incredible opportunity for students to challenge themselves, grow as musicians, and collaborate with talented peers from across the district. Despite the long hours of rehearsal, the experience proved to be both rewarding and unforgettable. And we can’t wait to see what regional band has in store. 

PMEA Regionals will be held at Penns Valley from March 18-20, with a concert scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20th.