The Mehlville High School Honor Band and the Washington Middle School Symphonic Band traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, this spring to perform in a Music Festivals adjudication and competition. The Mehlville School District reports the trip was a successful journey for both bands.
Mehlville High’s band performed “Molly on the Shore” by Percy Grainger; “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen, with arrangement by H. Robert Reynolds; and “Zion” by Dan Welcher. MHS captured a first-place finish in their division after earning a Superior Rating. With an average adjudication score of 95 percent, Mehlville ranked second in the nation for high school bands competing in Music Festivals events around the country.
The Mehlville French horn section, comprised of Eric Dundon, Jeff Schaefer, Michael Wisely and Alyssa Flynn, was recognized as the Best Section in their division. In addition, Dundon received recognition along with Mehlville trumpet players Davy Oster and Ian Brickey as an Outstanding Soloist.
The Washington Middle School band performed “Accord” by Fred Allen; “Three Chinese Miniatures” by Robert Jager; and “For the New Day Arisen” by Steve Barton. WMS finished first in their division after earning a Superior Rating. With an average score of 93 percent, WMS ranked first in the nation for middle school bands competing in Music Festivals.
The Washington Middle Percussion Section, featuring Fiona Brickey, Evan Branson, Katrina Fyfe, Matt Parker, Luke Robertson, Tony Selz, Andrea Wade and Colton Wittmeyer, was recognized as the Best Section in their division. Nick Sanchez (trumpet) and Suzanne Thomas (alto saxophonist) were each recognized as an Outstanding Soloist.
While in Memphis, the students also visited sites like the National Civil Rights Museum, the Rock and Soul Museum, Graceland and Entertainment Complex and Ardent Recording Studios. Their performances took place at the Performing Arts Facility at West Memphis High School in West Memphis, Ark.
Band directors are Tony Brown and Don Kinnison (Mehlville) and Jennifer Garrison Brown (Washington).