Submitted by Ann Norris
Valdez was proud to have three musicians qualify for the ASAA All-State Festival.
James Humphrey, Oliver Ownbey, and Erik Vincent were chosen from 850 submitted auditions to participate in the All-State Band and Mixed Choir this past weekend. The three students participated in two and a half days of rehearsal at East High School preparing for a Gala Concert on Saturday evening at West High’s auditorium.
James was one of only 5 alto sax players from across the state to qualify for the Band which played a difficult set of modern selections and a rousing Sousa march. The Band was conducted by Dr. Andy Collinsworth of Sonoma State University.
Oliver and Erik were Tenor 2 and Tenor 1 respectively in the Mixed Choir of 90 students. Oliver was one of the top three of all Tenor 2 submissions and competed for first chair honors in a high stress live audition. Mixed Choir was conducted by Dr. Alec Schumacker of Manoa University, Hawaii. The Mixed Choir responded to the energetic conducting style of Dr. Schumacker and the selections of music from classical to Japanese, Hawaiian, Latvian, blues, and spiritual.
As a music director, it was a joy to learn from the demanding rehearsals and be in the audience for the performances that showcased excellent musicianship and top-notch leadership. Our young men succeeded.