The Pride of Herndon has three students participating in the Wind Ensemble, the district’s top band, and four with invitations to audition for All States. Photo contributed
Herndon High School made a strong showing in this year’s band competition, held at McLean High School on Jan. 9, that, in the words of director Kathleen Jacoby, “…rivaled any in memorable history.”
Herndon High School had 15 students selected as participants or alternates in this year’s festival. District Band auditions are held in early January each year and include a blind audition with scales, sight reading, and performance of a prepared piece.
“I attribute this year’s success to a strong senior class that has consistently worked hard not just to prepare for this audition, but since they began on their instruments years ago,” said Jacoby.
The Pride of Herndon has three students participating in the Wind Ensemble, the district’s top band, and four with invitations to audition for All States. James Adams, Jacob Reeves and Aimee Toner, along with Ben Clark, principal trombone in symphonic, will be eligible for the All-Virginia Band, whose auditions will be held on Feb. 28.
Students who participated in auditions echoed Jacoby’s acknowledgement of the hard work necessary to perform at this level while praising her leadership and encouragement.
“I know everyone who made it into district band worked really hard for it, and Ms. Jacoby is always supportive of us and does her best to help us do well in the auditions,” said junior Evelyn Showalter, who was chosen as principal oboist and English horn for the symphonic band.
The list of District 12 Festival participants and alternates is as follows:
Wind Ensemble: James Adams, 10, Principal Percussion; Jacob Reeves, 12, second Chair Percussion, and Aimee Toner, 12, third Chair Flute.
Selected for Symphonic Band:
Evelyn Showalter, 11, Oboe and Principal English Horn for the District; Benjamin Clark, 12, Principal Trombone, Kevin Archambeault, 11, Eb and Bb Clarinet; Olivia Duston, 10, Bb Clarinet; Abigail Witmer, 12, Bb Clarinet; Carey Rice, 12, Bb Clarinet; Peter Trapp, 12, Principal Tenor Sax; Angela Phelps, 12, Trumpet; Simon Fogleson; 12, Trombone;
Shennan O'Day, 11, Euphonium, and Jordan Sonderegger, 12, Percussion.
Alternates: Julia Picchiottino, 12, Euphonium.
Participants agree that the auditions, the rehearsals, and the concert offer the best of creative opportunities and the building of relationships that transcend their four years in high school band. Evelyn Showalter, who has another year in the program, said, “The biggest thing I ever take away from any band experience is the sense of band family and community. We all support one another and work together to make beautiful music, and we have fun doing it.”