2011 "All-Star" Bands
Summary
"All-Star" Bands
The 2011 Junior High/Middle School and High School “All-Star” Bands performed in concert on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the Highland High School Auditorium. David Shaffer, composer and former Assistant Professor of Music at Miami University, was the guest conductor for the High School “All-Star” Band. The Junior High/Middle School “All-Star” Band guest conductor was Mrs. Vicki Smith, band director at Copley High School.
A special feature of the concert this year was the premiere performance of “Octane,” which was commissioned for Mr. Gerald Carasea by the Medina County Schools’ ESC, Buckeye High School, Cloverleaf High School, Highland High School, and Wadsworth High School. Here are some notes from Mr. David Shaffer, composer, concerning “Octane”:
“Octane” is described as “vigorously energetic or forceful.” From the opening solo percussion statements through the lyrical middle section, I have written this piece to capture the dynamic intensity of a piece of fine-tuned machinery. Dedicated to Mr. Gerry Carasea’s many years of service to Medina County schools, this composition will be published by C. L. Barnhouse Co. in the spring of 2011.
Music directors in Medina County Schools selected 78 junior high/middle school students and 70 high school students to participate in the ensembles based upon ability, interest, potential for growth, and instrumentation. Here is a list of participating band directors:
Buckeye Local Schools
Greg King
Dena Timura
Cloverleaf Local Schools
Gerald Carasea
Andrew Winter
Highland Local Schools
Jamie Holcomb
Edward Marquette
William Turner
Wadsworth City Schools
Steve Hadgis
Dana Hire
A list of participating students may be viewed by selecting one of the following links:
• 2011 Medina County High School "All-Star" Band Members
• 2011 Medina County Jr. High-MS "All-Star" Band Members
The event was sponsored by the Medina County Schools’ Educational Service Center and hosted by the Highland Local Schools. The “All-Star” Bands planning committee members included:
• Jamie Holcomb, JH/MS “All-Star” Bands Festival Coordinator for the Medina County Schools’ Educational Service Center and band director at Highland High School
• Dana Hire, High School “All-Star” Bands Festival Coordinator for the Medina County Schools’ Educational Service Center and band director at Wadsworth Middle School
The performance was taped by the Huron-based company Soundwaves. CD recordings may be ordered by selecting their link below.
For further information on this program, contact Brenda Zacharias, Fine Arts Administrative Assistant, at 330-723-6393, Ext. 101.
