Approximately 1,200 middle and high school students from across Western North Carolina auditioned for a spot in the regional All-District Band Clinic held Feb. 6-7.
Following a competitive audition process, top-scoring musicians were selected to participate in a weekend clinic at WCU. Swain band director Karen Williams-Lanning said her students rehearsed and performed under guest conductors from across the country.
“Swain County recorded a record number of participants this year,” she added.
Tommy Dickens, Abraham Palmer and Adam Scheid advanced to audition for the North Carolina All-State Honors Band. The three Swain students will travel to Winston-Salem in March to compete for a spot in the All-State Clinic.
Williams-Lanning anticipates a busy spring semester for Swain’s middle and high school band programs.
“In March, students will attend the Western Region Music Performance Assessment at Mars Hill University,” she said. “In May, individual musicians will compete in the Western Region Solo & Ensemble Competition. The jazz bands are also scheduled to perform May 21 at the Swain Arts Center, opening for a Steely Dan tribute group.”
Swain will host the Far West Honor Band Clinic on Feb. 20-21.
“Students from Andrews, Cherokee, Franklin, Hayesville, Murphy and Robbinsville middle and high schools will participate in rehearsals with guest conductors and attend master classes led by students and staff from WCU,” Williams-Lanning said.
The clinic will conclude with a public concert at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Tickets are $5.
“With record participation and a full schedule of performances ahead, Swain County’s band program continues to expand its presence in regional music education,” Williams-Lanning said.