The hard work of the fine arts students of GMSD has definitely paid off this year. For months, students have practiced with their choir ensemble groups, symphony and orchestra, and more, and 241 students were invited to participate in All West. On February 11, select students performed at The Cannon Center with some of the best musicians in West Tennessee. These students were able to see their talents being recognized, and they were also gaining real world experience.
Stephen Short, the music and orchestra instructor for Riverdale, shared, “All West is a fantastic opportunity for students that are seeking a challenge and want to collaborate with the best musicians from West TN. I enjoy witnessing the process of passing out audition music, the struggle in the audition room, and the exhilaration of being selected. For the students that are selected, I love seeing the light in their eyes at the first rehearsal when they realize they are part of an amazing team of musicians and the creativity can flow without fear of judgment.” He also was encouraged by the dedication of students who were not selected to participate in All West this year, saying that they were only fueled more to continue practicing and improving in hopes of making it next year.
Megan Woodring, the music and band instructor at Riverdale, wants people to know that these students practice for this audition for sometimes close to a year, and in the audition process, they are competing against hundreds of other students. Riverdale had seven students audition this year, and three were selected. From there, the turn around for the performance was quick, with only two days of rehearsals before the event at the Cannon Center. Woodring also echoed Short, saying, “The biggest takeaway for me, after having been a part of this process for over 10 years, is that the students who participate, even the ones that aren't selected for the All-West Bands, grow so much as musicians through the entire process. They bring back a special energy and drive that spreads to other students in their sections. For those that are selected, it is an experience that they will remember forever. For most, it sets them on a musical trajectory for high school and even college.”
We are so proud of these students that continue to work so hard, and we cannot wait to see what next year holds for them. Congratulations to the All-West participants!