Salem State Music Majors Join Elite Eastern Division Intercollegiate Band

SALEM, MA — Three Salem State University music majors joined the Eastern Division of the College Band Directors National Association's Intercollegiate Band this spring after being nominated, auditioning and being accepted to the ensemble.

Max Beauregard, a baritone saxophone player from Salem, Ava O'Brien, a trombone player from Whitman, and Audrey Yard, a trumpet player from Grafton, were selected for the national program.

The Eastern Division is one of six CBDNA divisions across North America and includes schools from throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada.

The three Salem State students were nominated by Mary-Jo Grenfell, a Salem State professor and music program coordinator, who described the selection as an important step for student musicians.

Grenfell said the opportunity to perform in the band "is an exciting milestone for a growing musician."

"It's both a recognition of their hard work and talent and a great opportunity to keep developing as performers," Grenfell said. "Students rehearse and perform alongside outstanding peers from across the region, which challenges them to play at a high level in a supportive and inspiring environment.

"Working with a guest conductor and preparing advanced repertoire in a short, focused rehearsal period helps strengthen musicianship, ensemble skills, and confidence.”

Each student described the experience as a chance to grow alongside other skilled performers.

"This was one of, if not the most talented wind band on average that I had ever been a part of," Beauregard said. "There was no weak link — everyone knew their role, everyone came prepared, and everyone was ready to get work done.

"After it was all said and done, I could say that all I really gained was a quick weekend detour and a couple of new followers on Instagram. … but it has left me with a lingering hunger to find a band like that again."

O’Brien said: "This experience has given me the opportunity to engage in more high-level ensemble playing and further develop my skills in trombone, ensemble performance, and personal musicality. The most exciting part of the trip was making beautiful music alongside such skilled musicians from across the eastern United States, and I am truly grateful to have been a part of it.

"Rehearsals with Dr. Castro were rewarding in and of themselves, and I felt excited just hearing how we sounded playing together," Yard said. "I was surrounded by people like me who were also passionate about music and committed to their skills as musicians. I don’t think there was anyone there that didn’t want to be there."

Costs for the trip, including hotel, transportation and food, were covered by a recent gift from the Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust.

Salem State announced in November that the trust awarded $150,000 to the university's music program to support student grants and access to equipment and educational opportunities.