GRHS band students attend All-State band in Cheyenne

Five Green River High School band students had the chance to play in a band comprised of students from across the state.

Last week, GRHS band students made their way to Cheyenne for the All-State Music clinic and conference.

GRHS band director Jerrid Washburn said students participating in All-State Band auditioned in November. They found out in December whether or not they had been accepted.

Students who were accepted and attended the conference were trombone player Sam Bayles, tuba player Morgan Burbank, orchestra percussion drummer Ali Dewey, flutist Ashlie Gold and clarinet player Katelyn Moorman.

“I always say it’s indicative of the work the students want to put in,” Washburn said.

It is up to each individual student to learn the audition music, learn it and then record it for the judges.

During the conference, the band directors and teachers participate in classes, while the students practice for their concert.

“It’s basically professional development for teachers,” Washburn said. “For teachers like me, we go to sessions.”

The students started rehearsals Monday morning and rehearsed for eight hours. On Tuesday they put in another eight hours of rehearsal. Tuesday evening, the band performed the music in a concert at the Cheyenne Civic Center.

“It was a full house,” Washburn said. “They are the best in the state.”

Students who participated learned how other directors instruct their students. Washburn said they also gained new perspectives on how to look at things.

However, some students heard the same things their current directors had been telling them already.

The students also learned the importance of keeping their nerves in check.

When the teachers weren’t busy in classes, they would often pop into the rehearsals to see how things were going.

“It’s always fun to sit and watch some rehearsals,” Washburn said.

In Washburn’s opinion, the hard part started in November when the auditions took place. The concert and clinic are meant to be a fun, learning experience for the students and their teachers.

“I encourage as many to audition as possible,” Washburn said.