by Brandi Miller for the FCT

To be able to have all your hard work recognized at any endeavor is always a rewarding thing.  In most sports activities, the playoffs or various tournaments provides individuals or teams with such a reward.  For the band students, the opportunity to participate in the Northwest Alabama Honor Band is a way for them to showcase and demonstrate all of their hard work put in throughout the season.

After weeks of individual practice and hard work, an audition amongst students in the surrounding five counties was held on January 16^th and 17th.  Red Bay High School sophomore Eliza Williams, and freshman Maggie Bates, and Anna Jackson were chosen for the distinct honor of participating in the concert band.

“Seeing and hearing the talent and work put in by the group of students selected for their honor band was very impressive,” said RBHS band sponsor Erin Gilbert.

After the audition and selection process, the students put in approximately eight hours of solid rehearsal with their band.  After that, the students performed with other students selected at a concert held at Russellville High School on Saturday January 17^th at 2 p.m.

“I love that we were able to go and make music with people who truly know their instruments,” said Williams.

Jackson echoed the sentiments shared by Williams.

“It was truly amazing to make music with such a large group of talented people,” said Jackson.  “I especially enjoyed playing Pirates of the Caribbean and it was a huge learning experience for me.  I am very excited to return next year.”

The opportunity was something the students will never forget and can strive to attain next year.  The chance to play with talented musicians and the variety of music seemed to be the most exciting thing for all three participants.

“Apart from playing with extremely talented people, the best part of the experience was playing amazing pieces of music like Pirates of the Caribbean,” said Bates happily.