Musicians selected for WVU Honors Band Clinic

Mallory Emerick and Christian Nave have been selected to perform in the 44th WVU Honors Band Clinic.

Two talented Meyersdale Area High School students have been selected to attend the prestigious 44th Annual West Virginia University Honor Bands Clinic. Christian Nave, and Mallory Emerick will attend an intensive two-day clinic in preparation for a public concert to be held February 15 at the Clay Concert Theatre.

The West Virginia University Invitational High School Honors Band is a two-day event for high school band students. Selected students are placed into one of three clinic bands based on a brief audition held prior to students arriving at the event. In addition to working with outstanding nationally-known conductors, students are treated to a performance by the WVU Wind Symphony and also have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses offered by members of the WVU School of Music faculty. The guest conductors for the clinic will be Professor Elva Kaye Lance, director of bands at Mississippi State University; Dr. Chandler Wilson, director of bands at Stetson University; and Mr. Michael Luley, director of bands at Lake Braddock Secondary School, Virginia.

Katie Howard, director of bands at MAHS, said she recommended Emerick and Nave for this experience because these students came to her with information about the festival and were interested in attending to further their musical opportunities.

“This festival will give them the chance to rub shoulders with students outside the PMEA festival circuit and work with new guest conductors,” she added.

Christian, a senior at MAHS, is the son of Staci and Brian Nave. Christian plays the alto saxophone in the MAHS jazz band and the tenor saxophone in the marching and concert bands.

“This is a goal I have set for myself due to my passion and love for music. I believe music affects people in many ways, and I can’t get enough of playing music. I am thankful to be one of the students selected for this experience, as there were so many to choose from,” Christian explained. “I am grateful for the opportunities Mrs. Howard provides to the students, and the many ways she has affected and motivated us to love music.”

Mallory Emerick, a sophomore, is the daughter of Joey and Matthew Emerick. Mallory plays the flute in the marching and concert bands, and the alto saxophone in jazz band .

“WVU is the school of my dreams, and when I was presented with this amazing opportunity, I was instantly excited. I’m so beyond blessed to have a wonderful band director and musical talent that help me participate in band festivals,” Mallory added.