OSCODA – Sixteen Oscoda Area Schools band students traveled to Alpena to participate in MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) District 9 All-Star Band Jan. 16-17.
The students were selected based on recorded auditions which were submitted to the band directors of MSBOA District 9. Selected participants rehearsed on Friday, Jan. 16 from 4:45 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon before presenting a concert on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Alpena High School auditorium.
The Junior All-Star Band was composed of students in grades seventh through ninth from 15 area school districts and was directed by Kristin Blanchard, director of bands at Muir Middle School in the Huron Valley School District. The band performed “Spring Fanfare” by Nicole Piunno, “Hope of Tomorrow” by Naoya Wada, “Ready the Castle” by JaRod Hall and “Wild Blue” by Tyler S. Grant.
The Senior All-Star Band was composed of students in grades ninth through 12th from 15 area school districts and was directed by Doug Burtch, director of bands at The University of Michigan, Flint. This band performed “West Highlands Sojourn” by Robert Sheldon, “The Lighthouse Keeps Watch” by Brooke Pierson, “Keystone” by JaRod Hall, “Yellow” and “Red” (movements from Krisanna’s Colors) by Robert W. Smith and “The Billboard March” by John Klohr and arranged by Andrew Balent.
