Mill NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band Trip
by Benjamin Lliguicota
Embedded Files
Mill Middle Students at NYSBDA
This August, six talented young musicians from Mill Middle School represented Williamsville at the first-ever NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band Festival at Ithaca College. Students Violet G (flute), Lauren M (flute), Lucy A (alto saxophone), Otis S (baritone sax), Max Z (trumpet), and Deacon G (percussion) were selected from a pool of outstanding 4th and 5th grade band students from around New York and spent one day rehearsing alongside over 90 of their peers before performing in Ithaca’s renowned Ford Hall. They represent many hours of practice, discipline, and hard work, ultimately leading to an outstanding performance.
Participation in the NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band is a distinguished achievement that begins long before the festival day. Students are nominated by their band teachers based on musical skill, dedication, and leadership within their ensembles. Additionally, for admission, teachers must submit evaluations that include NYSSMA or ECMEA solo festival scores, detailed assessments of tone, technique, and musicianship, as well as a short character reference highlighting each student’s attitude and commitment. Only a select number of young musicians from across New York State are chosen!
Mrs. Becca Lawrenson chaperoning the NYSBDA Honor Band
The NYSBDA event took place during the summer rather than the school year, so organizing it required careful coordination. Students and families traveled to Ithaca for the one-day event, with rehearsals beginning at 9 a.m. and the evening concert held in Ford Hall. Mill band teacher Mrs. Becca Lawrenson managed the logistics of the trip. She handled student nominations, helped them prepare their music in advance, and chaperoned them for the day. Since she is an alumnus of Ithaca College, she even created a mini travel guide for families, many of whom turned the trip into a short vacation. With the support and collaboration from the school district, WMB, and our families, the event came together smoothly.
2025 NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band Performing at Ithaca College
The NYSBDA concert program featured a great selection of music. Under the direction of their guest conductor, the group performed Hope Rising by Tyler S. Grant, Summit Fanfare by William Owens, Notorious Machine by Rob Grice, and Musical Mayhem by Robert W. Smith.
For many of the students, the NYSBDA Festival was both exciting and unforgettable. Flutist Lauren M. said her favorite piece was Musical Mayhem because “it was crazy and sounded cool.” Fellow flutist Violet G. shared that she loved performing since “everyone was trying hard and sounded good,” adding that it was special to share the moment with her friends. Alto saxophonist Lucy A. was proud of how focused the group was, saying, “We only had one day, but we still sounded really good because we were all behaving and getting work done.” Trumpet player Max Z. enjoyed “meeting new people and playing new songs,” while baritone saxophonist Otis S. appreciated being “selected to play fun and hard songs” and meeting another student who played his instrument. Percussionist Deacon G. summed it up perfectly: “I loved just being a part of it because it was really fun and I got to play a great instrument that I have worked hard on all year.” Finally, Mrs. Lawrenson “found herself tearing up at the end of their performance watching all of the families jump to their feet for a standing ovation. The kids were smiling from ear to ear, and both students and parents were beaming with pride.”
Six Mill Middle Musicians
Trump section during rehearsal
Percusson section during rehearsal
Flute section during rehearsal
Congratulations to our young musicians on their outstanding performance! Further, thank you to their band teachers, Becca Lawrenson, Matthew Tichy, and Eric Modlich, for their dedication and hard work, and to the Williamsville Music Boosters and school community for supporting opportunities that keep Williamsville a top district for music.
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