Gregory Allen Wilborn
June 17, 2014
Ida Mae Rodrigue Toups
June 17, 2014
More than 80 band students gathered in Lafayette to participate in the Louisiana Bandmasters Association summer concert series at the beginning of June.
With only eight hours of practice during the course of two days, some of the state’s best band students were able to learn four songs and deliver what was described by an audience member as a “flawless performance.”
The students who participated in the various ensembles of concert band, symphonic band and jazz band were selected from band director nominations.
Anna DeRoche of Houma, a student who will officially join Vandebilt Catholic High School’s band next year as an eighth grader, was a participant in the 2014 LBA All-Star Symphonic Band.
Although she is a young musician, DeRoche caught the attention of Vandebilt Band Director Brad Adams. During her seventh-grade year, she was asked to start practicing with the high school band.
“It was actually pretty easy,” DeRoche said of playing music with more experienced students. “The high school students helped me a lot.”
On the first day of practice at the concert series, all of the participants had to audition for their chair positions.
DeRoche was surprised to learn she qualified as a second clarinet player for the symphonic band, which she described as the “best band overall” to be a part of.
“I think the reason I made symphonic band was because of my dynamics and tempo,” DeRoche said, mentioning the challenging rhythms of the songs. “Surprisingly the music had very high notes.”
The symphonic band performed four selections: “Caprice” by William Himes, “In the Shining of the Stars” by Robert Sheldon, “Flight of the Thunderbirds” by Richard Saucedo and “Joy” by Frank Ticheli.
The LBA Symphonic Band was under the direction of Myra Rhoden, Director of Bands at Fayette County High School in Fayetteville, Georgia. As the leader of her own competitive marching band and winter guard, three concert bands, a jazz band and a percussion ensemble, Rhoden was able to motivate students to perform at the LBA’s 54th annual performance.
Alayna Bergeron, an eighth grader transitioning to ninth grade at Houma Jr. High, who qualified for first chair flute, said while she loves everything about her local band, she enjoyed working with a different band director and students from across the state.
“I like how they bring in directors from out of state because it gives us a new experience different from the people in our area,” Bergeron said.
Both students agree the LBA Band provided them with a challenge outside of their local bands.
“Some of the music was difficult, but a lot of it was easy,” Bergeron said.
“There were really fast songs, and only one slow song that was probably the hardest for me,” DeRoche said. “I’ve heard high school honor bands play and (the songs) were in that area.”
This was the third year Bergeron participated in the LBA band with nominations from Houma Jr. High’s band director, Glynn Dagenhardt. Through her hard work and practice, Bergeron said LBA is one of her favorite parts about being in band.
“I always look forward to going because I think that’s the best part about being in band. It’s always fun because they have activities for you to meet people,” she said.
Houma’s Anna DeRoche (center), who will officially join Vandebilt Catholic High School’s band next year as an eighth grader, and Alayna Bergeron (not pictured), who is transitioning to Houma Jr. High, were selected to participate in the Louisiana Bandmasters Association’s symphonic band.
