The Beaver County Band Festival is an annual event where different students from the county put in hours of practice, learning high-level pieces and putting on a show for an audience. The festival was held on April 3 and 4.
Freedom was allotted 12 students based on school size. The students were first recommended by Ms. Julia Lawrence, the high school band director. Riverside’s band director, Ms. Emily Eastman, then chose the number of people on each instrument they needed to complete the band. Students practiced for a month prior to the scheduled practices.
The festival consisted of two bands by grade level, so students could be grouped with players similar to their skill set.
The members participating in the 7-9 grade band were Tori Loschinskey (9), on clarinet one, and Linea Probst (9) on clarinet two.
The students participating in the 10-12 grade band were Cooper Brien (9) on trombone two, Janna Kline (11) on clarinet three, Leo Kaleugher (11) on trumpet two, Simon Slavinsky (11) on percussion, Aubrey Boyd (11) on flute 1. Alexander Micon on French horn 2, Joseph Castelli (12) on clarinet two, Hailey Stinar (12) on clarinet one, Elias Boyd (12) on trumpet one and Jesse Reinhardt (12) on Tuba.
“I think it’s very important when you’re in a band to be able to experience other programs and play in different events,” Lawrence said.
Middle school students also engaged in this event, representing the district in the 7-9 band.
The show began at 7 p.m. on April 4 after an eight hour practice.The 10-12 band was directed by Dr. Jonathan Helmick from Slippery Rock University. The final result ended in a standing ovation from the audience.
The event consisted of a variety of pieces including “Flourishes!” arranged by William Owens, “Where the Waters Meet” arranged by Carol Chambers and “Nathan Hale Trilogy” arranged by James Curnow.
This annual festival continues to give students a chance to break out of their school’s four walls and learn and practice their skills with other students who have different talents and abilities.
“I prepared for this performance for weeks and I think it paid off. Not only did I challenge myself, but I also acquired time management skills,” Slavinsky said. “I really liked being able to perform with other students outside of the Big Red Marching Band too.”