Jade Izaguirre, Campus Carrier Assistant Entertainment Editor
This year, Berry is among the top represented colleges in the prestigious All-College Band.
Seven students will have the opportunity to perform under nationally recognized conductor Dr. Glenn Price, Director of Wind Studies at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
Fifty-seven students from 13 different colleges and universities will make up the All-College Band. While there were fewer students selected this year than last year, Berry students will still comprise over 12 percent of the ensemble. To audition, these students submitted a CD recording of their music.
“We have a pretty good representation,” said Dr. Lauren Denny Wright, Director of Wind Activities. “It shows their preparation they had from their teachers and their own dedication to getting ready for their auditions which made them stand out on their recordings.”
Many of these students have already had experience in performing in the All-College Band. Sophomore clarinetist Jarod Holland placed first chair in the clarinet section during his freshman year and will be returning to the All-College Band this year.
Senior Katie Stuck, clarinet player and music education major, also performed in the All-College Band last year and was selected to return.
“I was excited, but also a little upset because I had a better audition this year, but I got a lower chair placement,” said Stuck. “This year the competition was tough in the clarinet section, and I was also playing on a broken [clarinet].”
Freshman Matthew Robinson, trumpet player and music education major, has been playing for close to nine years. In high school, he had the opportunity to play in the district honor band; however, this will be his first experience performing with a band of this caliber.
“I was pretty excited,” said Robinson, recounting the moment he found out he was selected to join the All-College band. “I’m not really nervous at all because I’m not really sure what to expect.”
The All-College Band will perform Friday, Jan. 31 in Savannah, Ga. Because the group consists of students from all over Georgia, the band has a very limited time to rehearse together as a group.
“It’s hard to believe when you first get to Savannah that two days later you will be performing in a concert, because usually you practice for months,” said Stuck. “It’s definitely really demanding. Your lips get tired, your tongue gets tired, and your fingers get tired, but it’s a lot of fun.”
University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Shorter University and Young Harris are among other colleges being represented on the All-College Band.
“There’s really not very many opportunities where you get to play with such a diverse group of students and with such an influential director,” said Stuck.
Their instructors and classmates have supported them through their journey and have confidence that they will do well.
“They have already proved themselves,” said Dr. Wright. “I would tell them to have a good time and listen to what the conductor is telling them, so they can learn new things. They’re going to do great and represent Berry really well.”