Students in the Carroll County High School Band of Gold continue to take advantage of every opportunity to make them better musicians.
Several members of the Jazz Band recently attended the Pendleton Heights Jazz Festival in Pendleton, Indiana. They were the only band from Kentucky and were awed by the keynote performer, Jeff Coffin. The saxophonist entertained a crowd of student musicians with his talent and some fun skills, like playing two saxophones at one time.
“The night concert was my favorite thing ever,” said Alley Lefever, who plays the French Horn and trumpet. The group said they were on the edge of their seats listening to the professional and college musicians perform.
The CCHS musicians were so excited to share their experience. Wide-eyed and fast-talking, they each relayed how much seeing professional musicians and interacting with them during coaching clinics affected their outlook.
“Being a professional musician was so distant to me, but now it is so tangible,” said Grace Whisman, the senior drum major and trumpet player. “Now I can see the steps I need to get there.”
Grace and Shelby Hillebrandt, a sophomore trumpet player who also wants to have a musical career, were called out to demonstrate skills in a small group by Jeff Coffin. “I didn’t know he was famous. He was just a great teacher,” Shelby said.
David Zeitz, who plays saxophone at CCHS, spoke with Jeff Coffin individually and got advice on musical careers, equipment, reeds, mouthpieces and more. “It opened my eyes a lot about pursuing music,” David said. “It gave me an idea of what I can do on a saxophone.”
These same musicians also attended an honor band at Eastern Kentucky University. They were nominated by Band Director Austin Marshall. Others nominated for the EKU Honor Band include Aiden Lilley, Lydia Risk, Blayne Barr, Jaden Lrk, Amaya Owen, Daisy Laguna Lopez and Carlos Sanchez.
CCHS Band Director Austin Marshall said he was surprised so many students asked to be considered for nomination to the honor band. They were ranked and, based on their instrument, chosen by a committee to participate.
“The event was very enjoyable for all the students. We were able to share experiences from the different ensembles and it was nice seeing the students be able to kick back and just play music where there wasn't a competition on the line. They just simply got to love music,” Marshall added.
Alley said the honor band gives her an opportunity to play additional instruments. Her first love is the French Horn, but visiting the college band broadens her experiences.
Shelby, who wants to be a music teacher, said she relishes the positive reinforcement they receive from honor band instructors. I want to meet more people like that. I want someone like that to teach me. I could be a teacher one day and they can make me a better teacher,” she said.