AHS students participate in state Honor Band

From Thursday, February 1 to Saturday, February 3, six AHS band students became members of the annual statewide Limestone Honor Band by participating in the clinic held on their campus.

These six are now part of a very small group of AHS students chosen to participate in statewide events which honor students in our school’s lesser known fine arts programs, which besides band include chorus, orchestra, drama, and visual arts. The ability to be a state contender is a huge honor for these students, directors, and the rest of the school.

Another factor that makes the Honor Band true to its name is that this event only occurs once per year. Early February of every year the best of the state combine to form two large symphonic bands on the campus of Limestone College located in Gaffney, South Carolina. More than half of all the high school age students involved are also members of their schools marching band programs. The only difference between seeing these students on the field versus on a concert stage would be what they are wearing; the drive to be the best they can be and focus on the success of the program do not change with the setting and lack of a 4 piece uniform.

The skill and discipline of the students is only increased at this clinic with the addition of guest conductors from other universities from across the country. This year, Dr. Shelby Chipman of Florida A&M University was the leading conductor of the Blue Band (the top band at the clinic). With these professionals’ knowledge available to the students, the amount that can be learned is almost limitless.

“I am enjoying learning from a guest conductor and I hope to make new friends within my section,”Bailey C., a senior at Airport attending for her first time states, said about the clinic on her Friday lunch break.

Even Mr. Rooker, director of bands at Airport, thought of this clinic as a learning experience saying he learned more “when I was sitting outside of the rehearsals talking to other band directors” some of which even being from other states.

After a day and a half of long rehearsals, and when the concert was done and it was time to go back to Columbia, everyone wanted to stay even just a few more days in this type of large, band-centric environment. The weekend spent in Gaffney wasn't just rehearsal. The nights were filled with activities for our students to enjoy with their director, something they do not see often as they are always in the band room setting back at Airport. Every student would agree that they would love to attend again. “Even though I cannot because I am a senior, I would absolutely want to participate again,” said Bailey C., “for another weekend spent with friends in a little bit of a different setting than normal.”.

Limestone College is well known for its large sports program but also contains one of the most successful music schools in the state with over 100 students involved majoring in music at the school.

For more information about the Limestone College music, or any other program, follow this link https://www.limestone.edu