The snow didn't stop these students from heading to St. Cloud State University early Friday morning for an honor band event! Jennifer Guzman, Kalli Aden, Adrian Soliz, Caidyn Suess, and Jacy Rolf-Harrell were selected to rehearse and perform under the leadership of Christopher Fogderud (Brainerd HS), Dr. Don Linn (SDSU), and Dr. Catharine Bushman (SCSU). Composer Marie A. Douglas made an appearance to talk to students about her pieces that each band performed and discussed the spiritual, urban life in Atlanta, and hip-hop influences she weaves into her work.
In between rehearsals, students were in sectionals led by professional musicians, including internationally-acclaimed saxophonist and educator Preston Duncan of the U of M. The day ended with students seeing a late afternoon performance from the SCSU Wind Ensemble where Mr. Berg was seen playing with the clarinet section, and each of the three honor bands had a wonderful evening performance of music they only spent one day rehearsing.
The students did a fantastic job of representing GFW at this event. Although they had a fantastic time learning, performing, and interacting with students from several other Minnesota schools, they were glad to finally get home after a long day of making music!
