Huron High School

On Friday and Saturday, January 9th and 10th, six Huron High School Band students spent the weekend at Kent State University for their annual All-Star Band event. The accepted students—Reece Kieffer, Lilla Lundquest, Anastasia Sheppard, Peyton Studans, Sean Newcomer, and Lucas Rager—were separated into three premier wind ensembles: the Blue Band, the Gold Band, and the 1910 Band.

An Intensive Musical Experience

Students rehearsed on Friday and Saturday with Kent State music staff, preparing five different pieces of music to be performed Saturday evening. Under the guidance of KSU's Director of Bands, guest composer Nicole Piunno, and applied music faculty at KSU, these ensembles underwent an intensive schedule of rehearsals to prepare advanced repertoire in less than 48 hours. Students also participated in a masterclass with the professor of their instrument.

This accelerated pace challenges students to sharpen their sight-reading skills and adapt quickly to professional-level conducting nuances and non-verbal cues. The educational impact is significant, as it requires students to collaborate with high-achieving peers to master music that is often several grade levels above standard high school literature.

By performing on a professional stage, students refine their critical listening skills, ensemble balance, and intonation abilities. The festival concluded with a grand finale concert open to the public, serving as both a showcase of the students' hard work and a celebration of the high standards of music education.

Congratulations to our talented musicians on this outstanding achievement!