CHARLOTTE — Twenty-one students from three area band programs recently performed in the All-District Band Clinic at Stewart Cramer High School in Belmont, sponsored by the South Central District Bandmasters Association. MACS students joined more than 400 other students selected from area band programs.
Along with rehearsing with the top musicians in the district, the students worked with renowned conductor and composer Dr. Jack Stamp, retired professor and director of bands from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Three of the band students – Charlotte Catholic High School students Emma Joseph, John Roselli and Sophie Roper (pictured) – also were selected to perform with the North Carolina All-State Band in Chapel Hill May 6-7. The three were chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive audition process held in February. They all study with private instructors and play at Charlotte Catholic under the direction of Timothy Cook, a member of the N.C. Music Educators’ Association.
High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through several levels of auditions beginning in January. All-State is the highest honor a North Carolina music student can receive. Fewer than 200 students are selected through a process that begins with more than 800 students. The All-State students participate in two days of rehearsals directed by nationally recognized conductors.
— Carolyn Kramer Tillman