Local students perform at Troy State

Left to right: Kaylyn Phillips, Daniel Allen, Jackie Moore, Ashley Ingram, Ashley Young, Josh Kimbrel and Band Director Richard Horne

On December 8th, six local Miller County Middle School students performed in concert with the top middle school students from the Southeastern United States. Over 600 students were recommended by their band directors and only 300 were selected to attend.

Of those 300 selected were Daniel Allen, Alto Saxophone; Ashley Ingram, Flute; Josh Kimbrel, Alto Saxophone; Jackie Moore, Clarinet; Kayln Phillips, Flute; and Ashley Young, Flute.

Josh Kimbrel and Daniel Allen were awarded chairs in the Gold Band. Ashley Ingram and Ashley Young were awarded chairs in the Crimson Band. Kayln Phillips and Jackie Moore were awarded chairs in the Silver Band. All six students are in the 8th grade at Miller County Middle School.

The musical preparations for the concert began on December 6th when the students arrived at Troy for chair placement auditions. On December 7th they had an intense day of rehearsals totaling eight hours. Finally, on December 8th, they had one quick rehearsal and then they performed the music they had been working on for only one day for a large crowd of parents and educators. "All the students performed amazingly well and I am overjoyed they had this honor," stated Band Director, Richard Horne.