District II Concert Band Assessment

Each year bands from across the state of Alabama rehearse, prepare and perfect three pieces of music to present to a panel of three judges at District Band Assessment. This year was no different. On February 19 & 20, 2009, District II Concert Band Assessment was held at Gadsden High Schoool in Gadsden, Alabama. Along with many other schools from our district three schools from Talladega County and two from Talladega City participated at this years event.

Talladega High School kicked off performances of the TCBDA bands on Thursday night at 7:30. The following morning lead to back to back performances beginning at 9:00 by Zora Ellis Jr. High School, followed by Lincoln High School at 9:30 and Winterboro High School at 10:00. Munford High School performed shortly thereafter at 2:30 in the afternoon. Determination, pride, and accomplishment filled the stage as melodious sounds were eagerly presented to an awaiting audience by each band; efforts did not go unrecognized by audience members or judges.

The Munford High School Band, led by band director Mike Sims, received an overall Excellent rating from the judges on their performance of: "A March on the King's Highway" (LaPlante), "And Hold In Memory" (Vinson), "Abracadabra" (Ticheli).

The Talladega High School Band, under the direction of David McDaniel, performed: "Rough-Riders" (King), "A Song of the Universe" (Melillo), and "The Spirit of the Falcon" (Saucedo) for which they were awarded Superior ratings. Talladega High School will travel back to Gadsden High School on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, to participate in the Alabama State Concert Band Assessment.

Lincoln High School Band and director Felicia Romine, received superior ratings for their performance of: "Conquista" (Shaffer), "Childhood Hymn" (Holsinger), and "The Maelstrom" (Smith).

Zora Ellis Junior High performed: "Forward March" (Murtha), "As Winds Dance" (Hazo) and "Dark Adventure" (Ford), under the direction of Danielle Todd, receiving ratings of Superior. They will travel to Briarwood Christian Church in Birmingham, AL, for Alabama State Band Assessment on Monday, March 2, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.

Winterboro High School also received Superior ratings for their performance of: "Spania" (Shaffer), "By Dawn's Early Light" (Shaffer), and "Fanfare and Dance" (Edmondson), under the direction of Grayson Lawrence.

What a great accomplishment for the bands in Talladega County and City Schools, a proud representation no doubt. Congratulations to the directors, students, parents and administration at each of these schools. Good Luck in all of your future endeavors!