Region Band Festival
Laura Boyce and Jenn Brown were selected to perform in the 2023 PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) Region 3 Band Festival held March 22, 23 and 24 at Altoona Area High School.
The Region 3 Festival featured more than 170 students from 52 school districts. Brown was selected to perform in the Clarinet 3 section and Boyce was named to the Clarinet 2 section.
Dr. Andrew Yozviak served as the guest conductor of the festival. Dr. Yozviak is the Director of Bands in the Wells School of Music at West Chester University. Under his leadership, West Chester University ensembles have performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center and were featured in a performance in the Music Hall of the Chinese National Library as part of the 2018 Beijing International Arts Festival.
Students spent three days preparing for the public concert held March 24. The program included the following pieces of music: Star Spangled Banner, Salute to the PMEA, Danse Diabolique, Hope, Children’s March and Kahn.
Katie Howard, MASD Director of Bands, said she has considered it an honor to work with these two young ladies.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the work that both Jenn and Laura have put in over the past few years. It was bittersweet taking them to Region band last week since it was the last festival we will attend together. They’ve spent many long hours working on the literature that they’ve played at several festivals including district bands, region bands, and district orchestras,” she explained. “Their jackets were well decorated with festival medals as they took the PMEA festival stage Friday night. I hope that all of the memories and experiences will serve them well as they graduate this year.”
Brown said the experience of Region Band allowed her opportunities for new experiences, both on and off the stage.
“I had a lot of fun and got out of my comfort zone a lot. I enjoyed socializing with new people and making new friendships. The music we played this year is definitely some of the hardest pieces that I have been able to play.”
Brown said the experience exceeded all of her expectations and proved an apt end to her high school musical career.
“The songs all had very different moods and emotions attached. Our Guest Conductor, Dr. Yozviak, was very fun to work with and gave good input to make everyone better musicians. After all of our hard work and restless hours on the stage practicing, our concert pieces sounded amazing. The final product of the music felt amazing to be a part of.”
“Overall, this festival was the best last PMEA festival that I could have asked for. I had a lot of fun and I definitely learned a lot,” Brown explained. “I hope that all young musicians participate in whatever festivals they are eligible for because even if you feel out of place at first, PMEA festivals will grow on you and you will enjoy your time if you allow yourself to and you step out of your comfort zone a little.”
Boyce agreed that this festival was a fitting, but bittersweet, end to her high school musical career.
“Region Band 2023 was one of my favorite festivals I’ve ever been to. The music was challenging and the director was super laid-back. It was a great way to finish out my PMEA festival experience and I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve had because of the organization.
Howard commended both Boyce and Brown for their performance and commitment to excellence. She said these two talented young women have proven to be outstanding leaders in the school and an inspiration to younger students.
“I look forward to the upcoming students who will take their places next year and carry on the excellence that our music department has always demonstrated both within and outside the walls of our school.”