Music shapes our lives in ways that are hard to fathom. Present in everyday hustle and bustle, it is often overlooked, as misunderstood as we humans are. Notes on a page can communicate tales of remorse, anger, triumph, and failure, conveying the emotion that speaks for itself.

The presence of music education in schools provides students the opportunity to develop some of the most important skills to succeed in the classroom and beyond, diligence, collaboration, dedication, interaction, and leadership.

Students at Tuscaloosa Magnet are no stranger to music education. Going above and beyond, some Magnet musicians have a chance to shine outside of school, participating music enrichment opportunities in the state from District Honor band to All State Orchestra and Band.

Band students were also given a chance to shine during the month of February. The Alabama Bandmasters Association organized Honor Band festivals for each district in the state. Parker Jones, (trumpet), Eli Waterman (bassoon), Reggie Robinson (french horn), Sam Wegrzynowski (baritone), Emily Scroggins (baritone saxophone), and Jack Richardson (clarinet) were all accepted to participate in District 5 Honor Band, held at the Moody Music Building on the University of Alabama campus from February 15 to 16.

7th grader Patrick Pan, who is a clarinet player was accepted to Alabama All State Band.

From February 7-10 2019, at the Frank Moody Music Building on the University of Alabama Campus, students from all over the state participated in the annual Alabama All State Festival. Musicians spent the weekend playing among other students around their age, studying under the direction of renowned conductors from all over the country. Aiden Barry, cellist earned a spot in the Sinfonia Orchestra, and Catharine Li, violinist earned a spot in the Festival Orchestra.

Culminating string teachers, orchestra conductors, and musicians from all over the state, the Alabama Orchestra Association strives to build accessible and comprehensive programs to build the necessary professional growth for musical and educational excellence.

Each fall, student musicians from across 7 districts in Alabama prepare for the audition process, starting with an initial placement audition in October, followed by a seating audition in February to determine seating in the orchestra. Officials were in charge of recording the students in a blind audition, to play through the provided excerpts of the pieces, as well as a small sight-reading challenge.

After a jam packed 3 days of rehearsals, sectionals, lots of playing, and words of wisdom from the conductor, the students were ready to present a concert, featuring all of the hard work invested. Highlights from the program included Bizet’s Carmen Suite, De Falla’s Three Cornered Hat, and Tchaikovsky’s Marche Slave.

Feel free to visit the Alabama Orchestra Association website for more information about the annual All-State festival, and how you can get involved. For information about the Alabama Bandmasters Association, click this link: https://www.myamea.org/aba/ If you are interested in joining a local ensemble, the Tuscaloosa Youth Orchestra is open to middle and high school students from all over Tuscaloosa. Visit cms.music.ua.edu for more information.