Today, 44 excited 7th and 8th grade band students boarded the bus and traveled to Solo and Ensemble Competition held in Lincoln, AL. Nervousness, anticipation, excitement and pride could all be felt from the students as they awaited their time to perform. Encouraging words from a friend, a listening ear and reassurance were offered from many students both before and after performances. The task at hand can be one that is difficult at an age when students have so many reservations. However, the many hours of preparation that each student put into their solos, duets and trio performances did not go unnoticed by the judges. The students received a total of 46 superior ratings, something to be very proud of.
Not only did the students have success musically, but each parent should be gleaming with pride from the representation that your student had today of their school, their band, themselves and you. Discipline was not an issue. EVERY student was well behaved and respectful the entire day to everyone they encountered, including the stop for lunch and the actual event.
I am so proud of each student for the hard work portrayed, the desire to be good and the outstanding behavior. Accomplishments such as these only continue to increase the quality of each student and our band program, not to mention the effect that it will have for future experiences at ZEJH and as the students continue on to Talladega High School as members of the band. I hope that everyone involved feels that they gained something from the experience and that those students that did not have the opportunity to participate this time will join in the fun next time. What a good day for the students of the Zora Ellis Band. Keep up the good work and continue to grow both musically and as an individual. :)
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