The Conference started Thursday afternoon with a brief review of seating and successful state auditions. The 145 student band was auditioned by like instruments and scored based on a state approved rubric. Students auditioned in front of a panel of judges on selected excerpts and were reviewed by educators from across Pennsylvania. The band was “seated” following the introduction of the host and some details of the day. Students were placed in numbered chairs for each section of the band. Indiana specifically had the following:
- Audrey Yang, Piccolo
- Bridgette Petersen, Flute I
- Kaylee Byers, Clarinet I
- Lily Adams, Bass Clarinet
- Gabe Wilhelm, Bass Clarinet
- Aubrey Seale, French Horn I
- Freddie Knepper, Trombone I
- Dylan Foulk, Trombone III
- Sage Anthe, String Bass
Once the band was seated, students applauded successful auditions for not only districts, but regions as well. Students are selected to PMEA ensembles based on their overall audition score. Indiana had six students with scores to qualify for the region festival: Audrey Yang, Lily Adams, Gabe Wilhelm, Aubrey Seale, Dylan Foulk, and Sage Anthe. This festival will be held in March at Northwestern HS.
Students then met our guest conductor, Dr. Travis Weller from Messiah University. Students began rehearsals with Dr. Weller by running most of the several pieces in the folder. These pieces included the following:
- Salute to PMEA by A.D. Davenport
- The Star Spangled Banner arranged by Jack Stamp
- Blue Radiance by Nicole Piunno
- Resilience by Travis Weller
- Overture in Bb by Caesar Giovanni
- Fanfare for a New Era by Pinkzebra
- But Joy Comes by William Owens
- Toccata by Patrick Burns
Congratulations to all!