Sixth graders from the Dorris Intermediate School Band participated in the elementary portion of a county-wide festival presented by the Madison County Band Director’s Association.
The students joined fellow 5th/6th grade musicians from throughout Madison County for a day of instruction and collaboration that culminated in a group performance. The Madison County Band Festival is a way for students to work with guest clinicians, who are local band directors, as well as get a special opportunity to perform for friends and family.
DIS Band members who participated were:
Ava Pierce – Flute
Cassandra Stirling – Flute
Kathryn Roeck – Clarinet
Mazie Gilland – Bass Clarinet
Nicholas Becker – Bari Sax
William Grieb – Trumpet
Ethan Johnson – Tuba
DIS Band Director Nick Calza said, “I was very proud of how hard the DIS students worked to prepare for this festival. Leading up to it we had a few practice sessions together, but the students mostly learned the music on their own.
“The day of the festival, the students far exceeded my expectations both with their playing and with their behavior. They were attentive and respectful to the guest conductor throughout 6 long hours of rehearsal. The concert they performed that evening was truly spectacular and showed off all of their hard work. I am very proud to teach the wonderful students of DIS.”
Currently, the DIS Band has about 200 5th and 6th grade members. They practice 3 days a week during the school day. Each grade puts on a spring and fall concert. A special auditioned group, Blue Thunder, consists of about 30 6th graders who rehearse once a week after school. Blue Thunder performs at school assemblies and basketball games, in addition to a special concert tour of Unit 10 elementary schools.