All-County Band concert set for Thursday night
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on April 23, 2008 1:48 PM
More than 100 band members from Wayne County Public Schools will showcase their instrumental talents Thursday during the 2008 All County Band Festival at Dillard Middle School. Accomplished professionals will direct students representing 16 middle and high schools.
The program starts at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
"This event is one our schools, our parents, and the community look forward to," said Dr. Steven Taylor, schools superintendent. "The All County Band Festival not only gives our band students an opportunity to showcase their musical talents, but it also allows them to grow as musicians by working with guest conductors who will help them sharpen their craft."
Guest conductors worked with the students in preparation for the program.
Directing the middle school group is Michelle Staley, band director at Jacksonville Commons Middle School in Jacksonville. She oversees pep bands, small ensembles and a festival band.
The high school band director is Brad Staley, director of bands at Northside High School in Jacksonville. He has experience directing concert bands, a jazz ensemble, pit orchestra and the 100-member "Marching Monarchs."
Area school band directors have worked for weeks preparing students for this event include Jerome Powers of Brogden Middle, Michael Palmer of Charles B. Aycock High, Janet Barnes of Dillard/Rosewood Middle, Ledford Wilson of Eastern Wayne Middle, Tyrone Wagner of Eastern Wayne High, Melissa Riser of Goldsboro Intermediate, Kirby Hamilton, Jr. of Goldsboro High, Jonathan Jones of Grantham, Ryan Spell of Greenwood Middle, Blondell Oates of Mount Olive Middle, Kimberly Benson of Norwayne Middle, Pamela Harmon of Rosewood High, Cindy Grant of Southern Wayne High, Matthew Andrade of Spring Creek High, and Tim Heath of Spring Creek Middle.
Dr. Ralph Smith, lead teacher of performing arts, will serve as the evening's emcee.