This past January 11th weekend, Whitehall H.S. students Elizabeth Brodt, Brett Jarvis, Sarah Brodt and Whitehall  M.S. student Steven Crammer earned the privilege to perform along with 143 other students from 54 area school districts at the 2008 District 10 Band Festival, hosted by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association!

Hundreds of students auditioned in late 2007 to earn a chance to participate in the District Band events. Only the top few of each instrument were privileged enough to be selected to participate.

Students that were selected, were hosted by the Schuylkill Valley High School in Leesport, PA and spent 3 days practicing together in anticipation for the weekend shows for family, friends and area residents. They also had plenty of comfortable housing during their stay thanks to many local host families that opened their homes to the students.

This years' District 10 Band performed Sousa-style music during 2 shows on Friday and Saturday, along with guest cornet soloist, James S. Seidel. Seidel has been a member and guest soloist for the famous Ringgold Band since 1967, becoming Musical Director in 1980. Currently, Seidel is involved with multiple groups including, Dept Chair of the Exeter Music Dept, Reading Area Community College, Allegheny College, Allegheny College Brass Quintet and numerous music festivals in the tri-state area.

Conducting this years' District 10 Band Festival was guest conductor Loras John Schissel. As composer and orchestrator, Mr. Schissel has created an extensive catalogue of over 400 works for orchestra, symphonic wind band and jazz ensemble. His musical score for the PBS special, The Hudson, received extensive coverage and acclaim. As a recording artist, Mr. Schissel has amassed a large discography, and his recordings with the Virginia Grand Military Band have won numerous awards, including the Suddler Scroll, for outstanding musical excellence. He is currently the music director of both the Virginia Grand Military Band and the Cleveland Orchestra's Blossom Festival Band, two of the finest bands of their type in the world. Mr. Schissel has traveled throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, conducting orchestras, bands and choral ensembles in a broad range of musical styles and varied programs.

 Lizzie and Sarah Brodt will be representing Whitehall HS at Region Band, to be held at Shippensburg High School in February.  Special congratulations go to Lizzie Brodt, who was the recipient of the PMEA District 10 $1000 Band Scholarship!

Click below to view all pictures from the days events:

Pictures by Jeff Crammer