December 12-14 five students represented Beaver Area at the PMEA District 5 Honors Band Festival at Grove City College.

The students representing Beaver Area were freshman euphonium player Ethan Tolbert, sophomore French horn player Kaylee Seevers, junior oboe player Owen Bowders, senior tuba players Ezra Maize and Josh Dahma.

Band Director Mr. J.P. Scanga stated, “I am extremely proud of our students who were selected to attend Honors Band this year! They had an opportunity to work with my college band director, Dr. Tad Greig, and it was a thrill for me to observe their experience with him. He is a master teacher.”

For students to have the chance to participate in the festival, they had to audition beforehand October 17 at Grove City College.

Seevers added, “I had a great experience at the festival and I’m proud of the other students around me who attended it. Dr. Greig, our guest conductor, was very insightful and motivational in the difficult music he was teaching us, and with his conducting, we had an amazing concert. I hope to attend the festival again next year!”

Instrumentalists had practiced and performed several intricate pieces.

Bowders shared, “I thought it was enjoyable. I liked the atmosphere: being in a band setting, everyone being approachable and easy to talk/work with. I plan to do this festival again next year!”

The students who participated worked with guest conductor Dr. Greig who is a retired Director of Bands at Westminster College.

“It was truly a privilege to audition for and play at the PMEA Honors Band Festival. The director, Dr. Grieg, was the perfect choice to lead our group of students, and all of the musicians I played with were hospitable, helpful, and friendly. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone else in Beaver Area’s Music Department,” Maize explained.

The shown dedication and talent from Beaver Area music students was outstanding.

Congratulations and amazing job to all who participated.