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8th grade band one of two to play at educators conference
Published 12:00 p.m., December 30, 2009
Fergus Falls eighth grade students spent their holiday break in the most unlikely of places: school.
The eighth grade band is one of two bands in the state chosen to perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association conference Feb. 12 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Considering this is the biggest gig this band has faced, spending Tuesday rehearsing in the band room didn’t seem like an unfair task.
“It makes the work seem easier,” said band member Danielle Schroeder of the band’s recent selection. “You know it’s going to pay off.”
Students also understand the importance of playing at the conference, where they’ll perform in front of all the band directors in the state.
“It means that we’re one of the best,” said student Connor Danielson. “We’re proud of that.”
Director Scott Kummrow first submitted the application in May and was informed in July that his band would perform.
“It gives us a bigger goal than just a concert,” Kummrow said. “It’s playing on a state stage. We’re playing for music educators — the educated crowd.”
The other junior high band chosen to perform at the conference is from Wyzata, which includes band members chosen from three surrounding middle schools.
That aspect has band members even more eager to get it right for the big show.
For students, it helps to have music they don’t mind playing.
“We have good songs, and that makes it a lot better,” said student Nathan Kaminski.
Kummrow said he’s seen students push beyond their limits, which is rewarding to see as a director.
“It gives the kids this cool goal to work for,” he said.
Students will travel to Minneapolis Saturday, Feb. 12 for the event. Before the band departs, it will host a show open to the community at 8:45 a.m. Wed., Feb. 10. in the high school gym.
“It will be a fun trip,” said student Anna Monke. “It will be good for the whole band.”
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