Eighteen Oak Grove High School Band members traveled to Warrensburg last weekend to participate in this year's West-Central All-District Band. After leaving school Friday, students reported to the UCM Music Building where their intensive rehearsals began under the direction of Dr. Brad Snow, Director of Bands at University of Missouri in Columbia, for the District Honor Band and Ken Hansen, Rockwood High School band director, for the District Honorable Mention Band.

The West-Central District is unique among all other Missouri districts in that they support an overnight stay, allowing students more time to work with professional clinicians, make musical contacts with peers and resulting in an optimal concert performance. Students rehearsed late into the evening, ending their practice at 10:15 PM. "It was a late night, so we really appreciated the Band Boosters paying for us to stay at the hotel. I liked the pizza party too," said Tyler O'Neill, trumpet member of the Honor Mention Band. Making an ensemble for the first time was clarinetist Aubrie Rainbolt, "It was awesome to see students from so many different schools come together for one purpose and to see such a high level of musicality."

A second element unique to the West-Central district is the cooperation with UCM faculty. Each year all students meet with UCM's department of music faculty for sectionals. "This allows our students to absorb a great deal of knowledge and to make connections with professors who are a great resource for potential scholarships," said Oak Grove band director Beth Jinkins.

After rehearsing all day, Saturday night's concert was a culmination of the students' hard work. "The best part was getting to be with so many talented musicians around our area and making great music," stated Trevor Dunn, euphonium, member of the Honorable Mention Band. Jacob Fallman enjoyed working with his conductor Mr. Hansen who just three years ago was the head director in Odessa. "It was interesting to see his perspective on how he wanted the tunes to take shape." Fallman stated. For Katie Kim, Oak Grove's lone freshman, "It was cool to see so many members from the OG Band represented. It seems we had someone in nearly every section." Indeed Oak Grove was a dominant factor last weekend, with 5 first chair rankings, the most of any participating school. Seated first chair in their sections were Jacob Engelhard, Collin Lappert, Jacob Teasley, Jeremey Lappert and Katie Kim. "I was very proud of all of our students," stated band director Beth Jinkins, "Whether looking at the number OG students on stage or seeing their names in the program, it was obvious our students' musical talent is exceptional."

Oak Grove students who participated in the All District Bands were - Honorable Mention Band: Chelsea Stinnett, Aubrie Rainbolt, Andrew Goede, Jacob Fallman, Trevor Dunn and Katie Kim. Honor Band: Chelsea Jackson, Marissa Nebgen, Sequoia Masten, Jeremey Lappert, Collin Lappert, Tyler O'Neill, Tanner Pinkerton, TJ Wittman, Trevor Adams, Jacob Teasley, Trey Vinke & Jacob Engelhard.

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