UAH, all-state honor bands choose Discovery musicians

By performing with prestigious honor bands, Discovery Middle School instrumentalists are establishing friendships in the music community that will last throughout their careers.

The band students were selected to perform in the UAH Invitational Honor Band and the All-State Jazz Band.

The honor band with the University of Alabama in Huntsville convened at the Thurber Center of Randolph School in November.

“Students were selected by director evaluation, student accomplishments and reputation of their school programs,” Discovery director of bands Johnny Nash said. “Discovery has had students selected for this honor band since it was started four years ago.”

Discovery musicians in the UAH band were freshmen Michelle Bono, flute; Megan Carter, clarinet; Ashley Raby, bass clarinet; Nathan Fox, baritone sax; Remy Shandrew, trombone; Andrew Blackwell, tuba; Jake Sacco, percussion, along with eighth-grader Katherine Reardon, string bass.

Nash said honor bands give a venue for students to showcase their talents and evolve musically in a different setting. “Students have to move out of their comfort zone and become confident in their own abilities,” he said.

Students always return from these experiences with great stories, insight about themselves and the music they played, along with greater appreciation for the Discovery band program, Nash said.

The All-State Jazz Band was selected by audio auditions that were judged by independent, professional musicians. The group will assemble at the Montgomery Renaissance Convention Center on Jan. 19-21.

Discovery jazz masters include freshmen Nathan Fox, baritone sax; Jimmy Euley, alto sax; Hendryck Gellineau, trombone; Remy Shandrew, bass trombone; Jacob Justice, Joey Caldwell and Ben Winters, trumpet; Jeb Bushey, electric bass; and Jake Sacco, trap set, along with eighth-grader Anna Lee, piano.

Discovery earned 10 of the 19 seats.

“These students will have a tremendous opportunity to study jazz with a guest clinician and perform on a large stage for a big audience,” Nash said. “They will be challenged to improvise solo throughout their program. These students will gain major leadership and confidence skills.”