WHS Band Performs at ILMEA All State
Launch the media gallery 1 playerWHS Band Performance at ILMEA All-State
By: Brandon Kattenbraker
On Saturday, January 31st, the Wesclin High School Band performed at the 75th Annual Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Conference. In the early spring of 2014, the band auditioned for the chance to perform for multiple music teachers, clinicians, and musicians from across the state for this extravagant event. They competed against approximately 18 other ensembles, and Mr. Rodney Washburn, the Wesclin Band Director, was notified in late May that the band was one of six different ensembles chosen to perform at the All-State Conference. In addition, they were the only band from ILMEA District 6 to perform at the conference. Immediately after receiving the exciting news, the band began extensive preparation which included additional evening practices and clinic evaluations from composers, band directors, and musicians throughout the country. After months of hard work and anticipation, the time had come for the band and its members to travel to Peoria for their concert. The band left Wesclin High School at approximately 1:00 in the afternoon on Friday, January 30th and arrived at the Peoria Civic Center only hours later. They were given a quick tour of the amazing venue, and the members were able to explore the exhibits that were being held. Junior Annie Finn said, “The instrument, music, and college exhibits were really interesting. I was able to gain more insight about my instrument and was able to learn about schools and what they have to offer. It was a great experience!” After much exploration, the students arrived at their hotel for some relaxation time after all of their hard work. Senior Tyler Woods said, “I was extremely happy to take some time to relax. We had an exciting day, and I was ready to take a break, watch a movie, and hangout with my friends. I think the best part of the hotel was being able to run around in my room with my fellow band members, senior Brandon Kattenbraker, senior Seth Terwilliger, and junior Tom Krausz. This weekend is a memory that will last forever!”
The next morning, the band traveled to the Peoria Civic Center for its performance. They had a 20 minute warm-up period, and the concert began at 10:45 A.M. The program included four different pieces: Homeward Bound by John Philip Sousa, The Hive by Erik Morales, With Each Sunset by Richard Saucedo, and Journey to the Cathedrals by Dean Smith. Junior Maddi Kaiser plays flute for the concert band. “As we stepped onto the civic center stage, I was overwhelmed with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. ILMEA All-State is a great honor, so obviously, this concert was extremely important. I was happy that the performance had finally arrived, but I was nervous about missing a note or losing my spot in my music. But, in the end, the concert was absolutely spectacular!” Kaiser said. Many positive comments and a great amount of relief followed the band’s performance. Makenzie Kunz, a senior clarinet player for the band, said, “I was nervous for our performance, considering the fact that ILMEA All-State is such a high honor; however, I believe that we achieved our goal. We performed with great execution and outstanding musicality, and each member should be proud of what he or she has accomplished.” After listening to its co-performers, the Monticello Middle School Band from ILMEA District 1, the band and its members loaded their charter bus and returned home from an incredible weekend. Congratulations on your ILMEA All-State Conference Performance!