Students selected for ensembles

BYRON – Music students from nine districts in the state of Illinois prepared for a vocal/instrumental audition, sponsored by Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA).

These auditions are extremely competitive and rigorous. They include the playing/singing of scales, exercises, sight reading and tonal skills all while executing a beautiful tone and technique using very difficult music selections. If selected, these students will participate in their district music festivals (traditional band, choir, orchestra and vocal and instrumental jazz festival).

Byron Middle School and High School had 45 students selected to the District VIII ensembles. From the Byron Middle School, in band, are Elizabeth Dyck (7^th grade), Alaina Haas (8^th grade), and Shannon McHale (8^th grade).  From the Byron Middle School, in choir, are Denise Braithwaite (7^th), Maison Brandt (7^th), Maia Carlson (8^th), Naomi Cornett (7^th), Paityn Kann (7^th), Madison Lindquist (8^th), Jazmine Mrozek (7^th), Emmalyn Rehberg (8^th), Bella Rosavelasquez(8^th), Leila Spencer (7^th), Macey Stoddard (7^th), Grace Voiles (8^th), and Mia Vongsiri (8^th).  High School band members are Ryer Christian (10^th), Nate Dyck (10^th), AJ Luna (10^th), Jayne Lynde (10^th).  The High School band member that is in the orchestra is Madeline Libman(11^th).  High School choir members in the JR Mixed ensemble are Kassie Benidt (9^th), Josh Bianchi (9^th), Alex Cassens (9^th), Kylie Dahlstrom (9^th), Luke Mathieu (9^th), Kaci McKnight (9^th), Isaac Mondello (9^th), and Sophie Tucker (9^th).

Choir members in the SR Mixed ensemble are Keely Abate (11^th), Kyle Baker (11^th), Ryan Benidt (11^th), Alivia Bradford (11^th), Jaeden Buser (10^th), Hope Cornett (10^th), Ethan Fortener (12^th), Olivia Guerrero (12^th), Connor Harn (12^th), Jacob Lynde (12^th), Spencer Nelson (12^th), Nathan Penrod (12^th), and McKenna Puseman (12^th).

Three students made it into the District Jazz ensemble, which is only a 20-member group. Those students are Alivia Bradford (11^th), Connor Harn (12^th), and Sophie Tucker (9^th).

The Jazz Festival will be held on Nov. 10 at  Belvidere High School with their concert at 4 p.m. The District Festival is held on Nov. 17 at Dekalb High School. The Middle School concert will begin at 4 p.m. and the High School concert will begin at 7 p.m. Orchestra will have their concert at 5:30 p.m., also on Nov. 17 at DeKalb High School.

These students will be performing with other outstanding students under the direction of nationally known conductors.