Three CA students not only made the 2020 NC Music Educators Association All State Band and All State Jazz ensembles but earned the top chairs for their instrument in each of the bands.
The outstanding musicians receiving these honors: Marvin Koonce ’21 – Piano for All-State High School Jazz, Abby Li ’22 – 1st Chair Flute for All-State Honors Band, and Luke Ramee ’24 – 1st Chair Trombone for All-State Middle School Jazz. Koonce and Li have applied for the 2020 All-National Ensemble which will happen in Florida during the fall. Li was also awarded a chair placement in the All-State Orchestra ensemble, also set to happen in the fall.
To celebrate their achievements, Director of Bands Lester Turner delivered yard signs to CA’s All State Band members.
In addition, Mr. Turner has shared two tunes the students worked up over final trimester of 2019-20, to brighten our week and hold us over, while we wait for their next concert. As Mr. Turner explains, “performing for friends and family is a big part of the Band experience and we will have to hold off on that for some time yet. These videos though will be able to be sent out to the students’ contacts virtually and share a little of what they have been doing.”
Midle School 7th and 8th grade band performing Skygazer by Randall Standridge:
Upper School Wind Ensemble performing Brave Spirit by Randall Standridge:
Both are by Randall Standridge, who has been kind enough to allow his works to be performed freely virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.