NC All-State Honors Band 2005
Congratulations to Joelle Portzer (Trumpet) and Rob Smithson (clarinet) for participating in the 2005 NC All-State Honors Band, April 22-24 at UNCG in Greensboro, NC!
Colonel Lowell Graham, former conductor and commanding officer of the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC, said that this NC All-State Band was the best All-State Band he has ever conducted. That is high praise from someone who has conducted All-State Bands across the nation!
Rob Smithson write of the experience:
All-State Honors Band is a weekend clinic for some of the most advanced musicians in the state. Students who make one of the top chairs on their instrument in the top band at the All-District clinic are eligible to audition for the All-State Honors Band. Musicians from our district compete against musicians from five other districts in North Carolina to be a part of this elite group. Though there is only one weekend to prepare for the concert, and the musicians do not receive their music until a week before the event, the band comes together in time to give an excellent performance. All-State band is not only fun, it offers the opportunity to perform with talented musicians from around the state. This opportunity leaves one inspired to improve musically in anticipation of next year's tryouts.
Recordings of the 11-12 Honor Band
conducted by Colonel Lowell Graham (USAF retired)
(download to listen)
Three Symphonic Fanfares
II. Fanfare for West PointJames Barnes Beatrice and Benedict Hector Berlioz The Sinfonians Clifton Williams Symphony on the Themes of John Philip Sousa
II. After "The Thunderer"
III. After "Fairest of the Fair"Ira Hershen Symphonic Movement Vaclav Nelhybel