SEMYO Grade 5-8 Honor Band

Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras (SEMYO) will host its 2nd annual Grade 5-8 Honor Band on Saturday, April 22 Area music teachers are invited to nominate up to 8 enthusiastic students from your school or studio. Students should be in grades 5-8 and have at least one year playing experience. Our goal is to provide a fun and educational playing experience for band students while reinforcing proper instrument technique and ensemble playing skills. The honor band will take place at Century High School (2525 Viola RD NE) from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 22. Activities will include full band rehearsal, sectionals with area music teachers, pizza lunch, and participants will also watch a short performance by the SEMYO Concert Orchestra. The day will conclude with an honor band performance for parents and teachers at 3:30 PM in the auditorium.

Sarah Vinzant, who is in her seventh year as band director at Kasson-Mannorville Middle and High School and conductor of the SEMYO Prelude Winds ensemble, will serve as the director for the SEMYO Honor Band. Area band directors, private music teachers, and high school mentors will provide additional coaching and support.

Music teachers are invited to nominate up to 8 students on or before March 1 using the following nomination form: Honor Band Nomination Form

Repertoire will include grade .5 and grade 1 Music. Repertoire will be selected from the following:

Majestic by Brian Balmages
Dragon Slayer by Rob Grice
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by Timothy Loest
First Class Suite (Spring Movement Only) by Mike Hannickel
Shadow Fire by Randall Standridge
First Things First by Heather Hoefle

Once the students are nominated, they will be contacted by SEMYO with additional instructions and to verify participation.

There is a $25 fee for students to participate. The fee includes lunch and an official honor band t-shirt. Fee may be paid online using the cart item below or participants may bring a cash/check payment on the day of the honor band