All-Star Band
2023
Seven Oscoda Band Students qualified for and participated in MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) District 9 Band Festival on January 27 and 28 at Alpena High School.
Students were selected for this honor after submitting a recorded audition in early January. Auditions were evaluated by several area band directors, and two All-Star Bands were formed. Students in grades 7-9 could qualify for Junior All-Star Band and students in grades 9-12 could qualify for Senior All-Star Band. The bands were composed of students from thirteen different school districts from Alpena to Clare. Band members spent a total of six hours rehearsing between Friday evening and Saturday morning, then presented the All-Star Band Concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 28 at Alpena High School.
The Junior All-Star Band was under the direction of Mr. Roger Stevens, retired Director of Bands from H.H. Dow High School in Midland. The Junior Band performed “This is My Country” arranged by Johnnie Vinson, “Minka’s Sleigh Ride” by Pierre LaPlante, “Train Heading West & Other Outdoor Scenes” by Timothy Broege and “African Marching Song” arranged by John O’Reilly.
The Senior All-Star Band was under the direction of Dr. Norman Wika, Director of Bands and Chair of the Music Department at Saginaw Valley State University. The Senior Band performed “Old Churches” by Michael Colgrass, “Kinetic Dances” by Randall Standridge, “Rocketship!” by Kevin Day, and “Rhythm Stand” by Jennifer Higdon.
Pictured
Back Row (left to right): Senior All-Star Band Members
Stephanie Oakes (11) bass clarinet; Patrick Boje (12) baritone saxophone; Julian Gawne (12) alto saxophone; Axel Raybourn (12) alto saxophone.
Front Row (left to right): Junior All-Star Band Members
Alexander Clarke (8) trumpet; Logan Heiden (7) percussion; Alexander Burns (8) tenor saxophone
Boje, Raybourn and Burns eached earned first chair placement in their respective sections.