On Jan. 23-25, the UTM campus was filled with middle school and high school band kids for the Department of Music’s 35th annual Honor Band.
UTM Director of Bands Dr. John Oelrich said that this year saw even more students, with 750 applications submitted and 400 accepted. This, compared to past years’ numbers, is an increase of 100-150 applications, with 35 more musicians accepted into the ensembles. Also, auditions were conducted differently.
“We went to an online application this year that significantly streamlined the process. … [In addition], students auditioned on excerpts from their band’s repertoire, which ultimately made for a more musically and educationally rewarding experience,” Oelrich said.
Furthermore, this was the first time in four years that the event was able to be back in the Fine Arts Building.
“Being in the building of course made it much easier logistically. … It provided a sense of cohesiveness and community that was simply impossible the past four years,” Oelrich said.
The students who were accepted made it into one of three bands: Junior High Band, Concert Band or Symphonic Band. These bands were led by guest conductors Kara Boyd, band director at Lone Oak Middle School; Dr. David Hedgecoth, lecturer in Music Education at The Ohio State University and Dr. Paul Popiel, director of bands at University of Kansas.
“I either knew each of the directors personally or they were recommended to me by a trusted colleague. The things I look for the most [in the Honor Band conductors] are being a great person, a great musician and a great teacher,” Oelrich said.
The concert that concluded the event, which was at 1 p.m. on Jan. 25 in the Harriet Fulton Theatre, contained a mini-concert from each band, with the UTM Wind Ensemble concluding the show, conducted by Oelrich.
As for the whole event, Oelrich said that it provides many types of benefits for the Department of Music and local schools.
“[For one, it provides] recruiting: [it] brings great prospective students to our campus to interact with our faculty and students. [Also], education: [it] provides a top-quality musical experience to students from nearly 70 schools. Those students return to their programs and spread the information and good UTM name. [Lastly], community: [it] brings public school directors to our campus. We offer five instructional sessions for directors. It is also a good time for public school directors to get to know our faculty and each other,” Oelrich said.
Oelrich said that he enjoys Honor Band, because it is good to make music with students and see those in the Department of Music rise up and be models for younger students.
“[I enjoy] seeing our UTM students be models of leadership [and] professionalism, as well as playing and teaching brilliantly. [Also, I enjoy] connecting with people: directors, students, parents and faculty. Music brings people together,” Oelrich said.
For an event like this to happen smoothly, many people are necessary, and Oelrich is appreciative of those who were a part of this year’s Honor Band.
“I am very grateful for all of the hard work that our students and faculty put into the event. It could not happen without them. I am also very grateful for the work of our colleagues in the public schools as well as their dedication in bringing their students to campus for three days. [Also, I am thankful] for the support of Amro Music, Inc. for their help in the event,” Oelrich said.
“I’m very proud to be a member of this phenomenal faculty and am thrilled every day that I get to work with the fine young professionals that are our students.”
