March 28, 2024

Students at BMS excel in band

Eight Berg Middle School instrumental musicians were selected to perform in the 2012 South Central Iowa Bandmaster’s Association District Honor Band Festival on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Johnston High School.

The three honor bands will perform a 20-minute portion during the 7 p.m. concert.

More than 350 students from approximately 65 schools representing 13 counties in the South Central Iowa District will participate. Among those are four Newton seventh grade band students who were selected to the honor band according to advanced progress in technique books and outstanding musicianship. They include Tessa Keeton, daughter of Brian and LaNita Keeton, trumpet; David Lopez-Sanders, son of Emigdio and Lori Lopez-Sanders, baritone; Kinzie Loree, daughter of Aaron and Raquel Loree, flute; and Rhandyn Oldfield, son Randy Oldfield and Josh and Roquel Yeager, baritone saxophone.

Eighth grade students auditioned on scales and etudes to earn a spot in the District Honor Band. Local students selected include Reagan Maple, son of Jeff and Eileen Maple, trombone; Emily Miller, daughter of Eric and Kim Miller, percussion; Sarah Prendergast, daughter of  Jim and Jennifer Prendergast, horn; and Katherine Thorpe, daughter of Jim and Joan Thorpe, tenor saxophone. Emily Miller also was selected as the top musician in the percussion section, which qualifies her for a spot in the 120-piece Iowa Bandmaster’s All State Eighth Grade Honor Band that will perform at the Iowa Bandmaster’s Association Convention on Thursday, May 9.