Wabash Co. Honors Band And Choir To Celebrate Its 40th Anniversary
Posted
Staff Report-
WABASH – The annual Wabash County Honors Band and Choir Concert presented by the Wabash Valley Music Association will take place on stage at the Honeywell Center Ford Theater March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Originated through the WVMA’s educational efforts, the Honors Band and Choir has continued to be a successful annual tradition. Talented choral and instrumental students from each high school in Wabash County, including Wabash, Northfield, Southwood and Manchester, are chosen to practice and perform together at this annual concert. This event provides student who have excelled in music education the opportunity to work with and perform with professional guest conductors and directors. This experience broadens the students’ experience and allows them to see how different music leaders work and convey their expectations. Directing the honors choir for this concert will be Dr. Todd Guy, chairman of the Division of Music and Division of Art at Indiana Wesleyan University. Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler, director of music education and bands at Valparaiso University, will conduct the honors band. The Honors Band and Choir Concert is important to Wabash County because it uplifts the musical and artistic talent of high school students in the county, according to a press release from the Honeywell Center. Through this program, the WVMA provides artistic exposure and enrichment to area students. Expected outcomes include students' enhanced appreciation for artistic and educational enrichment and the opportunity to “shine,” which in turn is hoped to serve as an incentive for other students to pursue and/or excel in a field of music whether it be playing a musical instrument or singing in the choir, the release states. Students from Manchester include: Izzy Diaz, Heath Dierks, Dereck Eltzroth, Allyson Fogerty, Audri Fuentes, Tahnee Fuentes, Emily Lynn, Clayton Marcum, Quenten Moore, Lauren Myers, Alyssa Peyton, Ayla Rosen, Eli Shaum, Chloe Steele and Alexis Wagoner. Participating students in the Honors Band from Manchester include Tiffany Bragg, Molly Woods, Barbara Kania, Alexis Vernon, Zach Welsher, Jimmy Curtis, Alex Day, Carter Vernon, Lexi Webb, Xzavier Whitaker, Caitlyn Pratt, and Eryn Lynn. As this concert will mark the 40th anniversary, the Wabash Valley Music Association would like to extend an invitation to Honors Band and Choir alumni to attend the concert, and to participate during the combined finale “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” If interested, choir alumni may contact Susan Keefer, Wabash High School choir director, by calling 260-563-4137 or by email at keefers@apaches.k12.in.us Band alumni may contact Chris Hickman, Southwood High School band director, by calling 260-563-8050 or by email at hickmanc@msdwc.k12.in.us for band by Friday. The Honors Band and Choir Concert is a free event and open to the public.
