It takes a lot of practice, hard work and time to perfect the scales and music but it’s all worth it in the end. That’s why the band students try out for All-State honor band. Only three students made it into All-State last year, but this year there are high hopes of beating that record with the number of 15 students auditioning.

The students auditioning are; Rebekah Hallman, Hannah Richter, Katie York, Bryn Blanchette, Megan Behrends, Morganne Cameron, Katie Darrow, McKayla Weppler, Jacob Park, Nadia Somers, Caleb Spurr, Caine Page, Erin Barrick, Dylan Litty, and Miranda Chipman.  

“It’s a fun experience trying to get the music down and the competition behind the audition,” said trumpet player Paige, who is trying out for the second year in a row.

The auditioning will take place here in Atlantic on Oct. 22. The requirements are to learn all 12 of your major scales, including the chromatic scale, then a 60 second solo with a music piece that is given to you.

“The ones who are practicing are doing really well. The ones who aren’t (practicing), are not. Could be a good year, could be a so so,” said band director Jarrod O’Donnell.

The actual concert will take place the week before Thanksgiving.