Some members of the Shelby High School Band celebrate after receiving the “1” rating.
– Contributed photo
West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational School District in partnership with Oceana County Press.
SHELBY — Shelby and Hart high school bands both received overall “1” ratings at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 1 Band and Orchestra Festival at Shelby High School last week.
The Shelby band director is Erin Ray, and Hart’s band director is John Breitenbach.
The bands now qualify to participate at the state festival.
“Our Shelby band program has just wrapped up a very busy festival season,” said the Shelby band director. Ray and several high school students organized and hosted festival, Feb. 26 and 27. “Several bands in our area visited Shelby High School to perform for a panel of three adjudicators, who gave feedback on their performance followed by a demonstration of each school’s sight reading instruction.
“Our Shelby High School Concert Band received division 1s — superior rating — from all adjudicators and in sight reading. Our seventh-eighth cadet band received two division 2s from adjudicators — excellent rating — a division 1, and a division 1 in sight reading. We are so proud of our students’ work.
“Earlier in February, the students had their pre-festival concert that featured our jazz band, both middle school/high school groups, and guest soloist Dr. Wilson from Grand Valley State University as the band accompanied him on ‘Carnival of Venice.’ After the performance, students rehearsed and made as many improvements as possible before the festival date.” Ray said she was “so happy and impressed by the musicianship not just from Shelby but other bands in Oceana County, along with our neighboring schools. Music is alive in Michigan.
“Our Shelby Jazz band and Jazz Combo are now rehearsing and preparing for their jazz Festival held at Mona Shores on March 26. This is the first time that they have gone since pre-pandemic, so we are excited to learn and listen.”
Students who assisted Shelby Band Director Erin Ray with hosting festival. – Contributed photo
Hart High School band members celebrate after receiving the “1” rating.
– Contributed photo
The Hart High School Band performs during the festival competition in Shelby.
– Contributed photo
The Shelby Cadet Band — Contributed photo
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