Crescendo of talent: SV tops Honors Band selections

2024 Seneca Valley Honors Band

On October 17, auditions were held for the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honors Band at Grove City College. Over 200 students auditioned for a band of 125 musicians. This year, Seneca Valley had 36 students earn a position in the Honors Band, more than any other school! District 5 comprises all school districts in Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties.

To audition, students must be in at least ninth grade and prepare a piece from a predetermined solo list for each school year. These college-level solos are selected by the directors of District 5.

This year’s Honors Band was guest conducted by Dr. R. Tad Greig, retired director of bands and professor of music at Westminster College. The three-day festival culminated with a concert in Ketler Auditorium at Grove City College on December 14. Seneca Valley secondary band instructors include Mr. Varden Armstrong, Mr. Robert Babick, Ms. Sara Snyder and Mr. Brian Croach.

Maya Anglero – Baritone Saxophone
Camden Armstrong – Alto Saxophone
Noah Bracht – Tuba
Ivan Chen – Trombone
Jordan Courtney – Trumpet
Joseph Cuchapin – Bass Clarinet
Elora Dabravalskas – Trumpet
Emma Gallie – Clarinet
Allison Gillett – Percussion
Madeline Heere – Clarinet
Josh Heere – Baritone Saxophone
Sylvia Heilman – Clarinet
Isaac Hixon – French Horn
Caroline Holmes – French Horn
Benny James – String Bass
Rileigh Karns – French Horn
Maddy Karns – Alto Saxophone
Emelyn Kaye – Clarinet
Ella King – Clarinet
Chloe Lewis – Trumpet
Anna Livorse – French Horn
Nathan Lui – Euphonium
Braedon McNally – Trombone
Lauren Nowak – Clarinet
Niko Papakirk – Clarinet
Steven Patterson – Clarinet
Avery Rape – Trumpet
John Rieger – Trumpet
Gio Salgado – Alto Saxophone
Eli Scanlan – Trombone
Lola Schwendemann – French Horn
Claire Thompson – Flute
Imogen Tomo – Trombone
Mackenzie Tunstall – Clarinet
Adrian Wrubel – Trumpet
Autumn Zacherl – Flute