By Tiffany Edwards, University Relations
Some of the Southeast’s most talented young musicians will gather at UNCG for three days of intense study Feb. 16-18. Their efforts will culminate in a free, public concert Saturday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. in Aycock Auditorium.
Each February since 1990, the School of Music has sponsored the Carolina Band Festival and Conductors Conference. High school participants are competitively selected by audition tape to rehearse and perform in two honor bands under distinguished guest conductors. Nearly 300 applications were received this year for seats in either the 89-member Grades 9-10 Honor Band or the 92-member Grades 11-12 Honor Band. The bands will include musicians from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee and Maryland.
The Grades 9-10 Honor Band will be led by Dr. Marcellus Brown, director of bands at Boise State University. The Grades 11-12 Honor Band will be led by Michael Haithcock, director of bands at the University of Michigan.
While at UNCG, the students will rehearse under the guest conductors’ guidance, as well as attend master classes with UNCG faculty and the UNCG Wind Ensemble concert, held Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
While the high school musicians are sharpening their skills, the UNCG School of Music will provide professional educators and college music students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge as well. A coinciding Conductors Conference will be taught by Dr. David Gregory, conductor of Tara Winds in Atlanta. Participants may earn N.C. certificate renewal credit for completion of the conference.
Gregory is an internationally recognized clinician, conductor and music supervisor. He will present sessions on “The Four ‘Musts’ of Effective Leadership,” “If It’s Not Broken, Consider Breaking It!,” and “If We Can’t Find the Right Answers, Perhaps We’re Asking the Wrong Questions.”
In addition, Dr. John Locke, UNCG director of bands, and Dr. Kevin Geraldi, newly appointed associate director of bands at UNCG, as well as Brown and Haithcock, will make presentations. All participants are also invited to join in the Director’s Band, a clinic group led by Gregory.
Contact the UNCG Band Office for more information at (336) 334-5299, or visit http://www.smcamp.org/carolinabandfestival.htm.
