Smith-Cotton Band Students Shine in Weekend Competition

Smith-Cotton Band and Orchestra students attended two university honor band events around the state this past weekend. 

For both events, students were nominated by their directors, Michael Moellman and Grant Maledy.  Students then auditioned for chair placement at their respective events.

Hannah Pitts was fourth chair clarinet at the Truman State Honor Band Festival in Kirksville.

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City Midwest Honor Band and Orchestra Festival, students auditioned for two bands, a string orchestra and a symphony orchestra.

In the Symphonic Band, Yeager Coen placed first chair for trumpet, Calvin Pritchard placed 3rd chair for trombone, Valerio Toderescu-Stavila placed 1st chair horn.
In the Wind Symphony, Edward Toderescu-Stavila placed 2nd on Oboe, Joe Snelling 3rd chair trombone, Sydney Schlup 2nd chair Baritone Saxophone.

In the Symphonic Orchestra, Hannah Wagenknecht, 1st chair violin, Yuliya Kalasknykova 6th Chair Violin, Miriam Allen, 20th chair violin and Michylah Hawkins 2nd chair bassoon.

In the Middle School String Orchestra, Julianna Sonnik, 8th chair violin, Maria Hernandez, 12th chair violin, Ethan Daly, 13th chair violin, Madeline Allen, 15th chair violin, Alisa Sonnik, 6th chair cello, Coral Hardwick, 1st chair bass, and Paden Lefevers, 2nd chair bass.

S-C Director of Instrumental Music Grant Maledy said: "I'm very proud these students for working so hard, and earning the privilege of attending the Festival.  It's extremely inspiring and rewarding for the students, directors, parents and even the clinicians.  I truly believe this past weekend was a wonderful growing experience for everyone involved. "

"These opportunities let our advanced students get out and work with amazing clinicians and conductors.  In a less than 48 hours students learn a challenging program and perform it at a high level.  These students then take the new knowledge back to Sedalia and enrich our program and school."

In the photo: Members of the Smith-Cotton Band and Orchestra competed Feb. 12 in the University of Missouri-Kansas City Midwest Honor Band and Orchestra Festival.