Region 26 band students performed in the annual All Region Band clinic and concert on Friday, Jan. 25 and Saturday, Jan. 26. After auditioning in December, the students who placed high enough had the opportunity to work with clinicians for two days and put on a concert at Weiss High School, performing less than 24 hours after the first rehearsal. A total of 59 Westwood students participated in the event, more students than any other school’s representation in this year’s Region 26 bands.

The first rehearsal began at 6 p.m. on Friday, with the 6A Concert Band conducted by Dr. Scott Hanna and the 6A Symphonic Band conducted by Dr. Caroline Beatty. Between Friday and Saturday, the groups rehearsed for eight hours before finally presenting a concert at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

“Working with Dr. Beatty was really fun and different from the norm because we were much more focused in rehearsal, and we rehearsed much quicker especially because of the time crunch,” Jordan Van Gulick ‘20 said.

The event was not only a great learning opportunity, but also a social opportunity. During breaks and lunch, students had the chance to meet new friends from other schools. In addition, old friends were able to catch up with each other.

“I knew a lot of people in the percussion sections around the district and region because we compete with them and work together sometimes,” Liam Benner ‘21 said. “It’s always nice to get to see them and hang out and play music with them.”

The 6A Concert Band opened their concert with Bloom by Steven Bryant. It was followed by Selections from Danserye by Tielman Susato, a nine-movement work featuring some of the earliest written dance music. The band’s final piece was The Circus Bee by Henry Fillmore, an exciting and whimsical march.

After the 6A Concert Band, the 6A Symphonic Band performed Athletic Festival March by Sergei Prokofiev, a triumphant work full of fanfares, followed by Tribute by Travis J. Cross, a slow and lyrical piece. The concert concluded with Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, playing 10 of the 25 movements from the famous work.

“It was an enlightening experience to be conducted by college band directors and to play new music,” Muhozi Nintunze ‘19 said.

After the Area auditions on Jan. 12, six students were named All State Musicians. They will perform in one of the All State bands during the All State convention held in San Antonio from Feb. 13 to Feb. 16.