HHS Freshman Chosen for All-National Honors Band

Image: James Adams (Herndon High School)

By SALLY TONER

How Dee, Minnie! Herndon High School will be sending one of its own to the Grand Ole Opry.

James Adams, a freshman percussionist in the HHS Wind Ensemble, has been chosen for the All-National Honors Concert Band, sponsored by the National Association for Music Educators. He will perform at the historic venue on Oct. 28 in Nashville, Tennessee.

“James has been preparing for this experience his entire life. He has taken advantage of every musical opportunity that has come his way. He’s got an incredible track record of hard work, service, and leadership,” said director Kathleen Jacoby.

Adams was one of 150 instrumentalists chosen from a field of 2.5 million students nationwide. Auditions were open to All-State Band participants and involved the submission of recordings and recommendations. Adams expressed great enthusiasm about participating in an ensemble with such high caliber musicians.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting different All-State level musicians from around the country and performing with them. The conductors are all really good and nationally known, so I hope to learn a lot from them,” Adams said.

He was also appreciative of the support he received from his band director during the application process.

“Ms. Jacoby so kindly wrote a letter of recommendation supporting me. Her letter was very crucial in the process and helped the Honor Band staff to know more about me.”

Adams will spend three days in Nashville before performing for a select group of music teachers from across the nation. He pointed out that, as in All-State Band, the ensemble will have two days to rehearse together, playing music they have not previously performed.

“I hope to contribute all my skills as a percussionist to the group and help them sound as good as possible. I also want to represent my percussion section, my town, and my state well.”

The concert on Wednesday afternoon at the Grand Ole Opry will also include a jazz ensemble of 20 students and a vocal choir of approximately 350.

Adams is the first Herndon High School student to be chosen for this honor in the school’s history, and his director Jacoby expressed great pride in his accomplishment, and his attitude.

“We couldn’t ask for a nicer or more humble member of the Herndon Band program. He’s going to bring back a wealth of knowledge from this experience, and I’m excited about what ideas he’ll have for our program when he returns.”