Youth participates in all-state band

Peter Lund, Sisters Middle School eighth-grader, joined student musicians from across Oregon last Friday in a stirring performance by the all-state middle school honor band at Silva Hall in Eugene's Hult Center.

"It was incredible," the 13-year-old trombonist said of playing in a band of 111 students. "It was great to play with so many kids who are serious about music."

Lund said he and the other students practiced together for nearly 14 hours Thursday and Friday. The conductor was Michael Sweeney, of Wisconsin, an arranger and composer of middle school band music. The group performed Sweeney's original piece "Earthdance," in which they began the song by snapping fingers, patting their legs and clapping hands. In all, the band performed five numbers.

Lund found out about his acceptance to the band in October, after Sisters middle and high school band teacher Bryan Summers submitted a handful of students' names. Acceptance to the middle school honor band is based on teacher recommendation, a student's musicianship and the character and quality of the student, Summers said. The Oregon Music Educators committee then selects players based on instruments needed. Students must audition at the high school level as well as have a recommendation from a teacher. Lund said he hopes to return to the all-state band as a ninth-grader.

"Peter is well deserving of the honor," Summers said. Adding that he hopes Peter will bring his excitement about being in the all-state band back to his fellow band members, and they too may want to audition in high school or know that by working hard they can be nominated in eighth grade.

Lund received his music in December and practiced it at least 30 minutes most days, he said. In addition, he worked on it during trombone lessons with Dan Flagg, Central Oregon Symphony trombonist.

"I was a little nervous when I first got there, but once we all started playing together I wasn't as nervous. Sometimes, I'm more nervous when we have a concert in Sisters," he said of playing with four other trombone players in Sisters as opposed to 14 in the honor band.

The concert was part of the annual Oregon Music Educators Association festival of honor music groups. The middle school band opened the evening, followed by the middle school orchestra and men's and women's choirs. Saturday featured elementary groups and a jazz ensemble concert. The all-state high school band, orchestra and choir performed Sunday.

Next up for Lund is the district band concert at Bend High School, Friday at 7 p.m. He and Sisters Middle School musicians Chase Lawrence, Madelyn Zadow, Abby Lynch, Hunter Blakelock, Jessica Shepardson, as well as Jason Allenby, Nate Pajutee, Nolan Ferwalt, Zack Jones and Ethan Wetzel from Sisters High School, will be practicing Thursday and Friday with youth from Central Oregon. Their efforts will culminate with the evening performance.