This past January 30th weekend, Whitehall H.S. students Sara Brodt and Steven Crammer earned the privilege to perform along with 151 other students from 54 area school districts at the 2009 District 10 Band Festival, hosted by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association headed up by the President of the PMEA, L. Rich Hilborn!

Hundreds of students auditioned in late 2008 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 Muhlenberg High School in Reading PA and spent 2 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 a mix of classical, march and folk with selections including Irish Tune from County Derry, Bugs, Salute to PMEA and An American Elegy.

Conducting this years' District 10 Band Festival was guest conductor Dr. William Stowman. He is currently Chair of the Music Department and Director of Instrumental Studies at Messiah College in Grantham, PA where he teaches trumpet and directs the Jazz Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble. He also serves as the Music Director and Conductor of the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band. In 2006, he earned the Robert and Marilyn Smith Award for Excellence in Teaching at Messiah College and in 2007, was awarded the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Citation of Excellence in District 7 for teaching at the collegiate level. In May of 2008, Dr Stowman served as Conductor of the 2008 PMEA All-State Concert Band in Hershey, PA.

Click below to view all pictures from the days events:

Pictures by Jeff Crammer