Seniors Gretchen Berendt, Lindsay Malloy, Drew Garrett, and juniors Nicholas Palombo, Evan Linkimer, and Bailey O’Leary performed in the PMEA District Band Festival held at Beaver Area High School January 26.

Palombo played the trumpet in the festival.

“District Band was a great opportunity to work with outstanding musicians and a funny, well-seasoned director [Mr. Erb]. This was a great experience, even if we didn’t get our PMEA chicken at the banquet,” said Palombo.

Malloy played the euphonium in the festival.

“I’m super grateful that I had the opportunity to attend another band festival this year! I really enjoyed the selection of music. It was personally challenging to learn, but a lot of fun to play,” explained Malloy.

Students had the opportunity to work with guest conductor Mr. Andrew Erb, director of bands at Grove City College.

Beaver Area hosted 135 student musicians from 40 schools in Beaver, Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties,

O’Leary played the Oboe in the festival.

“The festival was a great way to play new music and meet new people from other schools,” said O’Leary.

Congratulations to the students who represented Beaver Area High School, and congratulations to Evan Linkimer and Gretchen Berendt who qualified by audition to advance to the PMEA Region Band Festival which will be held in March at New Castle High School!

Also, a special congratulations to Nick Palombo who participated last weekend in the PMEA District Jazz Festival at Slippery Rock University.