Three students from Innisfail band programs earned the opportunity to be members of the Southern Alberta Junior Honour Band in Calgary recently.
From Feb. 16-18, Sami Bennett and Jodi Graham from Innisfail Junior Senior High music program and Jarrod Crashley from St. Marguerite Bourgeoys music program, rehearsed and then performed as part of the honour band.
Bandleaders Chris and Diana Bushell invited the three last December to apply for a position in the band.
Each student had to complete an application form and have the bandleader fill out a section about the student’s musical capabilities and their general personality and responsibilities.
The Alberta Band Association reviewed the applications and chose students due to their individual talents.
Not all students that applied were accepted to this prestigious band.
Eighty-one students from all over southern Alberta descended on Calgary's Westmount Charter school on Feb 16 at 6:30 p.m. and rehearsed together for three hours.
On Thursday, Feb. 17 they returned to the school to rehearse with each other from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They reported to Mount Royal University at the Leacock Theatre Friday to practise yet again, and at 7:30 p.m. they were ready to perform for ticket holders.
The University of Calgary Symphonic Winds also played a few songs at this concert.
The young students brought down the house, earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
Sami Bennett was also able to perform a solo piece in one of the songs.
The conductor, Wayne Toews, works with young students often in these types of settings, and said he was very impressed with the performance that was given.
