MSU Honor Band Clinic

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Hundreds of high school musicians from throughout the region have converged on the MSU campus for the 61st Annual MSU Honors Band Clinic which began Thursday evening and concludes Saturday.

As they skillfully played selections like ‘Twilight In The Wilderness’ and ‘Arabian Dances,’ these young high school musicians have earned the right to be seated in their music chairs. And the three-day experience is a chance to further perfect their musical gift.

It’s also a chance for band directors to learn some new tricks.

“An opportunity for band directors in the area to come in and explore new literature,” said Elva Kaye Lance, MSU Director Of Bands.

Two hundred eighty-seven young musicians auditioned for placement in the honors band in late November and early December. That number has been whittled down to about 210.

“And then they enjoy making music with their colleagues and they also learn from our guest clinicians. And then they get the opportunity to hear the MSU Jazz Band as well as our Wind Ensemble during the clinic weekend,” said Lance.

The latest in modern music technology is being used and promoted at these music jam sessions.

“We actually have a session for the directors that introduces them to some of the applications that are available for the Ipad to enhance the rehearsal experience. And there are a lot of new ones out there,” said Lance.

Both the University and those budding young musicians are benefiting from this honor band clinic complete with workshops.

The teens get to experience college life and the university gets to showcase what makes it a good institution of higher learning.

 

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