8 WHS Students perform with the Minnesota Band Directors' Association 9-10 All-State Band

Eight Woodbury High School Band Students performed at the Minnesota Band Directors' Association (MBDA) 9-10 Grade All-State Honor Band held at Duluth East High School on Sunday, April 10. The students were Cheyenne Warren (Clarinet), Simon Miller (Trumpet) , Kamilah Gobran (Percussion), Jacques Tousignant (Trombone), Sarah Hughes (Flute), Desiree Martin (Flute), Annika Bjerke (Horn), and Lucas Bertram (Horn). The Woodbury High School Band was the most highly represented high school band in the state at the event with eight students.

Students were selected for the group by submitting recordings in early December to a panel of professional musicians hired by the MBDA. Recordings featured students performing scales, etudes, and solos.  The top students on each instrument were notified of their selection to the group in February. 

Participating students traveled to Duluth East High School on Saturday, April 9 for five hours of intense rehearsal on a program of advanced high school literature.  The ensemble was conducted by Dr. Scott Teeple who serves as the Director of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Students had Saturday evening to enjoy time with their family and friends in Duluth before returning to rehearsal on Sunday morning for one hour in final preparation for the performance at 2 PM.  Students played for a packed house on Sunday afternoon and received a standing ovation for their performance.  A big congratulations to the students who gave their time to audition for and participate in this performance!