Barking Points: Bi-County Honor Band

Music is the only subject that combines every aspect of learning: the math of counting beats, the science of sound waves and resonation, and the history of composers and music eras on top of the hand-eye coordination required to make it pleasing to the ear.

To succeed in band is to succeed in many different aspects of education, and Lind-Ritzville Middle School students are discovering that being challenged and honored in such a complex subject is a feat to be proud of!

This March, many LRMS and Lind-Ritzville High School students have been accepted into the 2014 Bi-County honor band and choir, a local tradition and an exciting opportunity for many aspiring young musicians. This year’s Bi-County honor band concert will commence March 17 at 7 p.m. at the INB Performing Arts Center in Spokane, an event highly anticipated by LRMS.

Bi-County honor band is a tradition that has been embraced by many students over the years. Jennifer York, band director at LRMS and LRHS, remembers, “It started in the schools a long time ago.” Although the actual year of honor band’s origination is uncertain, York estimated the tradition is some 40-50 years old. She said, “It wasn’t until it got bigger until we took [the concert] to the Opera House.”

Bi-County honor band’s location isn’t the only adaptation the program has made over the years. Currently, musicians from Creston, Davenport, Liberty, Lind-Ritzville, Odessa, Reardan, Sprague-Lamont and Wilbur are all incorporated in the ensemble.

The selection process for the junior high is random (drawn from a hat) whereas high school honor band and honor choir members submit a recording of their audition to a panel of Bi-County judges.

This year, 18 middle school musicians, six high school band members and one honor choir vocalist were accepted. Prior to the concert, musicians have two three-hour rehearsals held at a rotating Bi-County school: this year, in Ritzville.

Honor band is a great opportunity that challenges young musicians. Both junior high and high school musicians are presented with above-average difficulty music.

York realizes, “It’s going to be hard. It takes really long rehearsals, but it is so rewarding.”

The program is an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their musical horizons; they are led by experienced and knowledgeable guest conductors, and students get the excitement of performing in an extravagant venue for a large crowd.

“I think it gives them a look into what could be,” York said, “It gives them validation that their efforts are worth something. It makes them feel accomplished!”

Many LRMS students are looking forward to the experience. Sierra Kiel, first time honor band member, said, “I am excited for honor band because the music will be more challenging than our music, and I’ll get to meet new people. It’ll just be fun!”

Returning honor band member, Bryce Esser, is also excited. “It’s a fun experience to go to the Opera House,” he said.

Students from all across the Bi-County put extensive effort into their music to make it as great as possible.

Admission to the concert on March 17 is free, and LRMS would love to have the support from as many familiar faces as possible!