District Auditions

Music is an undeniable talent at EMHS. Through the music departments, we are given the opportunity to compete with local musicians to earn a spot in district choirs, orchestras, and bands.
    The Jr. Regional Orchestra is an auditioned contest for 6th through 9th graders. Kathleen Leigh and Melissa Jantzi both qualified to be a part of the orchestra. They will be participating in one day marathon of learning the music and putting on a performance all in the same day. Melissa Jantzi said, “ The Jr. Regional Orchestra, though an intense day, is a great learning experience. It will be educational to get a new view from a different director.”
    District band is the same sort of auditioned group for middle school and high school band members. Mr. Buchanan, EMHS’s band director, said that District band is a great “chance to get together with instrumentalist from the area and work with nationally know directors.” The Concert and Symphonic bands are both filled with the top ranked auditioned musicians. This year, we had seven students participate in District band: Zander Pellegrino, Rhianna Cockrell, Malinda Bender, Christophe Langouet, Matt Layman, James Souder, and Rose Jantzi. Reflecting on his experience in District band, Christophe said, “It {District band} gives you an experience to play under pressure.” He went on to say that, “ Even if you don’t make it, it’s a great experience to get to know new people.” The top few of each instrument group in the Symphonic band also get the opportunity to try out for states. This year, James Souder, a junior tenor sax player, earned 3rd chair at States.
    District choir is also an auditioned group, which was held at EMHS this year. Twenty six students from EMHS made the District choir. Janelle Dean, a junior who participated in District choir, said that one thing she learned from the director this year was how a warm up of the voice, which may seem to be a pointless exercise at first, really did an effective job of warming up the voice. This year, EMHS also had five persons make All-States: Tucker Wheatley, James Souder, Janelle Dean, Brook Hostetter, and Helen Furry.

- Rose Jantzi