On Feb. 7, 8 and 9, eight Etowah students attended in this year’s Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) District 9 Honor band camp. 

“It [making GMEA] means that you are practicing above and beyond what is required of you in the classroom,” Stephen Long, band director, said.  

Tryouts for all traditional band instruments and orchestra instruments were held this past December, and those who achieved the highest scores were invited to this year’s clinics. Students were judged on how they played their scales, performed their etude, and memorized their sight reading for their instrument. Those who were eligible to attend this year were: freshmen Sarah Mock, Ryan Lofland, and Zachary Kantenwein; sophomores Analise Black, Jedidiah Davis, Jacob Stein and Sophia Stewart; and senior Kieran Black.  

“Although it was very tiring, the experience was well worth it,” Kieran Black said.  

Students reported to Fannin High School in Blue Ridge on Thursday to begin practice. Final rehearsal was followed the next day, and students performed their concert on Saturday. 

“I learned so much this weekend from Mr. Roth at the honor band. It was so much fun meeting people from other high schools and playing with them this weekend. It was my third year going this year, and the audition is totally worth it,” Lofland said.  

Auditions for next year’s camp will be held in December. Students interested in trying out will have to perform their scales, a piece of music given by GMEA, and a sight reading.