Practice pays off.

Seniors Gretchen Berendt and Lindsay Malloy, juniors Evan Linkimer and Nicholas Palombo, and freshman Rebecca Mizer from Beaver Area High School were accepted into and participated in the annual Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Five Honors band performance.

“Honors band was such an awesome experience and I’m grateful to have been a part of it,” exclaimed Malloy who plays the euphonium.

The PMEA District Five Honors Band festival was held at Westminster College and was guest conducted by Mr. Patrick Burns of Montclair State University in New Jersey.

A total of 126 students from the PMEA district (which includes Beaver, Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence counties) performed in the festival. The pieces that the band performed included Oasis, Texas Star, Deir’in De, Up and Symphonic Suite.

“It was a great experience to work with a group that had so many talented musicians in it,” said trumpeter Palombo.

“I got to play really challenging music that we wouldn’t normally play at school, and I met some great musicians from other school districts,” said Mizer who plays clarinet.

“Not only are festivals like these music-based, but you make a lot of friends through these festivals, and I think that’s really neat,” added Malloy.

“Honors Band was a great experience where I was able to learn many new things and meet new people from schools all around the district,” said horn player Linkimer.

“I can’t wait to audition for the group again next year,” added Palombo.

Congratulations to all of the students who represented Beaver Area High School at the PMEA Honors Band Festival!