Countywide honor band program returns to schools

The Tallapoosa County Honor Band returned to the state for the first time since the pandemic. Made up of students from Alexander City Schools, Horseshoe Bend School, Reeltown and Dadeville, the 140-member band showcased the talents of local sixth through 12th grade students. The band members practiced for nine hours over two days of rehearsals and learned four pieces of music prior to their December performance.

“Music education has so much to offer kids other than just playing their instrument, ” said BRHS band director Dale Bloodworth. “But what we really hope is that they enjoy playing the music; they enjoyed the fellowship; and they had a memorable experience.”

Honor band members were nominated by their school’s band directors. For high school and middle school students, there also was an audition and chair placement portion.

“It’s really to give more of our kids a high-level music experience than what they otherwise would have in their own classrooms,” Bloodworth said.

Beautiful Music Again

December.

Directors from other school systems came in as clinicians. Jerell Horton, director of the bands at Vestavia Hills High School, oversaw the high school honor band. Jen Walsh, band director at North Jefferson Middle School, oversaw the middle school honor band. Erin Lyon, associate director of bands at Simmons Middle School, oversaw the beginning band.

~ Abigail Murphy