By Crystal Hayduk
Two Chelsea School District music students will perform at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids during the 12th annual Michigan Music Conference (MMC), Jan. 19-21.
Band
Eighth grader Haley Roush, percussionist, was chosen to play in the All State Middle School Band on Jan. 21. She auditioned in Saline in late October, playing three different songs, one each on the snare drum, timpani, and mallets. She also played two octaves of five scales and sight-read a piece.
According to the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s (MSBOA) website, approximately 2,000 students statewide audition for a total of 400 spots to fill five different ensembles. Students rehearse together under the direction of “nationally recognized conductors” for two and a half days before culminating in band and orchestra concerts.
Rick Catherman, Chelsea High School’s director of bands, said that the All State audition process is difficult, stressful, and competitive.
“I left the audition feeling like I wasn’t going to get in,” said Roush. “When I found out in late November that I made it, I was so happy. I’m really looking forward to going.”
Makenna Ford, bassoonist, received an honorable mention. Ford, an eighth grader, who is also the principal bassoonist for the Jackson Youth Symphony, performed in the All State Middle School band in 2016. “I had a great time and learned a lot,” she said. “I’m very excited that Haley will get to go this year.”
Orchestra
Senior Lydia Peters, cellist, will be the sole musician representing Chelsea High School at the Michigan Music Conference in January. The orchestra audition includes two classical excerpts, five scales, and a sight-reading piece.
Although this will be Peters’ first time performing with the All State Orchestra, she has been given honorable mention status three times. She has auditioned for the honor six times-each year since seventh grade eligibility.
If she could give advice to others seeking a similar position, she would say, “Don’t ever give up-hard work pays off. Every audition gets you ready for the next one.”
Even though Peters was confident that she went into October’s audition as well-prepared as she could be, when the audition was over, she felt she could have done better. Still, she hoped for the best and she’s delighted to be chosen before ending her high school career.
Sara Cumming has been Peters’ cello teacher since 2009, but has known her “practically all her life. Lydia is an all-around wonderful person, a hard worker, and a good musician.”
All State Bands and Orchestras are made possible by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. According to the MMC website, “The purpose of the Michigan Music Conference is to provide relevant professional development and vibrant musical experiences that support music education for educators and their students.”
About 9,000 people attended the 2016 conference.
