Musicians perform at all-region

By Donnie A. Lucas

Two Albany High Schools students participated in two days of rehearsals for the All-Region Band last week, which culminated in concert performances on Saturday afternoon.

Sophomores Ashley Sanchez and Trinity McBee both earned seats on one of three All-Region bands during tryouts held in December; however, McBee was unable to attend last week due to illness.

Fortunately, another Albany sophomore, Chey’Anne Weaver, was able to move up as second alternate to participate in the event.

“Chey’Anne just missed a seat in the flute section during tryouts, but she was called up as an alternate,” director William Vaughan said. “There were many more kids out due to illness than I have ever seen before, so a number of the alternates were called up.”

Sanchez, who was picked during tryouts as 17th chair clarinet, joined Weaver in rehearsals.

“There are actually three different bands,” the director said. “Chey’Anne was in the Concert Band, which played five numbers at the concert, while Ashley made the Symphonic Band that presented four pieces.”

Vaughan said that one of the selections the Symphonic Band played was an original piece written in honor of the band director from Andrews that was killed during a football season bus accident.

The top level band is the Honor Band, which also performed Saturday in Big Spring.

The All-Region Bands are part of the Association of Texas Small School Bands, including bands from Class 1A through 4A school districts. Students from all schools in the region that are members of ATSSB compete in one open class for seats in the three bands.

McBee, who was unable to attend, earned 26th chair in the flute section.

This is the first time in several years that members of the Albany band have tried out and earned places in one of the All-Region Bands.

Vaughan said that he has about 25 high school students rehearsing for solo and ensemble contests to be held Feb. 19 at Wylie High School in Abilene.