Schools
River Ridge Wind Ensemble, Band Director Perform in Music Festival
More than 1,000 high schools participated in the University of Georgia's 66th annual event held in January.
---
WOODSTOCK, GA -- River Ridge High School’s wind ensemble and band director were recently awarded with prestigious honors.
Find out what's happening in Woodstock-Towne Lakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The ensemble was one of only three high school bands from across the state selected to perform at the 66th Annual University of Georgia’s January Music Festival. They were chosen based on a recorded submission early in 2015. More than 1,000 high schools participated in the festival.
The ensemble, under the direction of Band Director Daniel Gray, prepared six pieces, which they played to a full house at Hodgson Hall. They were assisted by Mill Creek Middle School Band Director Erick Stallings and guest soloist Dr. John Bleuel.
Find out what's happening in Woodstock-Towne Lakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The musicians who performed were: Flutes/Piccolo: Lola Fayemi, Emily Gardner, Katie Jenkins*, Mikaela Langley, Anabelle Paulino, Jade Weldy, Oboe: Hannah Dunagan*, Chloe Philips, Bassoon: Katrina Brown Mukthi Kaup*, Clarinet: Julia Boll, Nicholas Busson, Luke Cummings, Desiree Dixon, Aiden Gholke*, Nathan Patchett, Emily Shetler, Grace Weiss, Bass Clarinet: Zach Lafser, Kristian Lorenzo*, Alto Saxophone: Camilo Arango*, Awrala-Awo Jama, Kyla Perez, Tenor Saxophone: Paige Maisano, Bass Saxophone: Joshua Isaksen, Trumpet: Declan Casey, Joseph Faletra, Maxine Harrison, Trent Kerley, Camden Pruitt, Olivia Webb*, Horn: Brent Flynn*, Amelia Smith, Maddison Smith, Savannah Smith, Trombone: Jillian Andrews*, Marley Gilbert, Ben Gonzalez, Emmy Perez, Euphonium: Lauren Brack*, Edwin Demeritte, Tuba: Palmer Edenfield*, Alex McMath, Percussion: Georgi Curtis, Springer Herdt, Joseph Inthalangsy, Anthony Siepser, Macy Trego* and Stephen Zelaya. (*Principal chair).
Gray also recently was presented with the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, which recognizes his successful program at River Ridge. National Band Association Georgia State Chairman Michael Oubre presented Gray with the honor at a Reinhardt University concert and praised him as a model for others in his profession.
---
Photo: River Ridge High School’s wind ensemble, led by Band Director Daniel Gray, recently achieved the prestigious honor of performing at the 66th Annual University of Georgia’s January Music Festival. Credit: Cherokee County School District
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
