Herndon High to Host District Band with Impressive Representation

There will be a whole lot of red in the District 12 Band Concert this year.

Herndon High School made a showing in this year’s competition, held at McLean HS on January 9, that, in the words of director Kathleen Jacoby, “…rivaled any in memorable history.”

Herndon HS had 15 students selected as participants or alternates in this year’s festival. District Band auditions are held in early January each year and are comprised of a blind audition that includes scales, sight reading, and performance of a prepared piece.

“I attribute this year’s success to to a strong senior class that has consistently worked hard not just to prepare for this audition, but since they began on their instruments years ago.”

The Pride has three students participating in the Wind Ensemble, the district’s top band, and four with invitations to audition for All States. James Adams, Jacob Reeves, and Aimee Toner, along with Ben Clark, principal trombone in symphonic, will be eligible for the All-Virginia Band, whose auditions will be held on February 28.

Students who participated in auditions echoed Jacoby’s acknowledgement of the hard work necessary to perform at this level while praising her leadership and encouragement.

“I know everyone who made it into district band worked really hard for it, and Ms. Jacoby is always supportive of us and does her best to help us do well in the auditions,” said junior Evelyn Showalter, who was chosen as principal oboist and English horn for the symphonic band.

The success of The Pride is even more gratifying as the District Festival, to be held on February 4-6, will be hosted by Herndon High School.

“It’s an honor to host the event at Herndon. I’m excited to show off the hospitality of our student and parent volunteers,” said Jacoby.

The auditions and festival give students a chance to make connections with other students and conductors who live in the area.

“I’m most looking forward to meeting band kids from other schools and working with them because we only get to put on one concert together, and the time goes by really quickly,” said Showalter.

Kathleen Jacoby echoed the opportunities offered with this event.

“I hope many of our students choose to attend the open rehearsals, and that our local community members attend the free concert. Not only are we showcasing state level caliber musicians, but our conductors are nationally renowned clinicians and educators.”

The list of District 12 Festival participants and alternates is as follows:

Wind Ensemble:

James Adams 10, Principal Percussion

Jacob Reeves 12, 2nd Chair Percussion

Aimee Toner 12, 3rd Chair Flute

Selected for Symphonic Band:

Evelyn Showalter 11, Oboe and Principal English Horn for the District

Benjamin Clark 12, Principal Trombone

Kevin Archambeault 11, Eb and Bb Clarinet

Olivia Duston 10, Bb Clarinet

Abigail Witmer 12, Bb Clarinet

Carey Rice 12, Bb Clarinet

Peter Trapp 12, Principal Tenor Sax

Angela Phelps 12, Trumpet

Simon Fogleson 12, Trombone

Shennan O’Day 11, Euphonium

Jordan Sonderegger 12, Percussion

Alternates:

Julia Picchiottino 12, Euphonium

In the end, participants agree that the auditions, the rehearsals, and the concert offer the best of creative opportunities and the building of relationships that transcend their four years in high school band. As Evelyn Showalter, who has another year in the program, said, “The biggest thing I ever take away from any band experience is the sense of band family and community. We all support one another and work together to make beautiful music, and we have fun doing it.”